All eyes were on Arsenal to see how they would react after they were knocked off top spot by Manchester City in February. Mikel Arteta's side had been the standout side for months, yet it is very different being the chasers rather than the chased as well as being deflating to be overtaken after so long at the summit.
Was this to be the moment that Pep Guardiola's side seized control of another Premier League title race? To the immense credit of Arsenal, it has not been.
They wobbled in their very next game, going behind twice in a lunchtime kick-off at Aston Villa, only to rally and win 4-2 before seeing City blow a lead at Nottingham Forest to make their holding of top spot extremely temporary. Also read: Man City and Arsenal title race state of play as key fixtures analysed That was the first of seven straight victories in the league since their home defeat to City that has allowed them to lead their rivals by eight points; they have played an extra game but they do have the points on the board.
It beats the four wins in five games that the Blues have picked up, and has considerably improved their chances of lifting the title at the end of the season.