It is only 298 days since Arsenal’s players sat slumped on the turf at St James’ Park in Newcastle and readied themselves for what was to come. Another brutal analysis of failure. Another dissection of their character. Another mauling in public. Worst of all, another private annihilation at the hands of their manager Mikel Arteta.
It all came their way and then some. And when it did, it was familiar. It had happened before. This time it was particularly painful because they had looked to be on course for a top four Premier League finish and qualification for the Champions League.