Arsenal have always moved forwards under Mikel Arteta and his trusted ‘process’.
Just look at the improvements in both attack and defence. With each passing campaign, they had more shots and they conceded fewer.
And now, at last, this was the season that the Gunners would take the final next step and win the title. Only they have gone backwards.
Last season, only Manchester City faced fewer shots and only the champions and Liverpool attempted more themselves.
Over the first 10 games this term, Fulham, Bournemouth and Crystal Palace have bettered them on both counts.