Arsenal made light work of Brighton at the Emirates on Sunday with a comprehensive 2-0 win, a scoreline that did not accurately reflect the dominance Arsenal showed.
So what did we learn?
1. Lacazette wakes up early
Arsenal have something of a well-earned reputation for being slow starters for early kick-offs on a Sunday, but not Alexandre Lacazette whose woodwork-bashing effort acted like an alarm call for the entire side after just two minutes.
2. Arsenal suffer from goal-induced narcolepsy
Despite taking the lead after totally dominating, Arsenal once again fell asleep, allowing Brighton to grow into the game in the wake of the goal. This happens too often for it not to be a fundamental flaw in the side.
3. Iwobi’s finishing still needs work
Alex was speaking recently about how he needs to work on his finishing and I’d decided to include this point long before he’d smacked home Arsenal’s second. Scored one, could have had two or three. What a player he’ll be when he gets more confidence in front of goal!
4. Watching Arsenal without expectation is much more enjoyable
I’m not sure it was a conscious decision, but this season I expect nothing from Arsenal. As a result, matches are less stressful and, dare I even say it, a little bit fun. True story.
5. Every inch matters for Kevin Friend
Getting so pedantic over the exact position of the ball for a free-kick makes you wonder just why Friend is so obsessed with every single inch.
6. Arsenal breaking four-on-one is almost a sexual experience
When Arsenal were streaming up the pitch, it was hard not to feel a stirring in the loins.
7. Appearances matter
Despite making three mistakes in the opening five minutes of the second half, the BTSport commentators were purring about how Alexis was looking ‘in the mood’. As always with this lot, who spend an extraordinary amount of time slating Mesut Ozil, it’s how you look rather than what you do that matters.
Of course, as soon as I wrote this, he started playing ridiculous passes that split Brighton apart…
8. Sexy football has been missing at Arsenal for far too long
Arsenal’s second goal was just pure sex. As we all oohed and ahhhed as the ball made its way to Iwobi for him to smack home, it reminded us of the type of football we used to see regularly. This season, Liverpool and Stoke aside, there are signs that it is finally starting to creep back into our game.
9. Shirt pulling is only a foul when Lacazette does it
Despite having his shirt hauled off him all game, including one time in the box, the only foul given was against Laca when he pulled back for once (at the same time as he was having his own shirt pulled)
10. Arsenal in crisis are as good as Chelsea as title contenders
This win took Arsenal level on points with Chelsea. Had they scored all their chances, they’d have moved ahead Antonio Conte’s men on goal difference.
Crisis, what crisis?