It is one of football's oldest cliches, but in the case of Manchester United and Arsenal this season, the league table really does not lie.
For Arsenal, one point from their past two games means they are extremely unlikely to reel in league leaders Liverpool and face the disappointing prospect of finishing second for a third straight season.
For United, it has been a historically miserable season, marooned in 14th place, still waiting to win back-to-back Premier League games and contemplating their worst points record in the competition.
And yet according to the underlying numbers, neither side can have any complaints.