This is just how it is. Arsenal won once again because of a set piece, and while Mikel Arteta might have struck a frustrated figure in his pre-match press conference when facing questions of such an ilk, he was delighted to claim all three points.

As Declan Rice swung yet another perfect delivery into an opposition box, rival fans watching from home, rolling their eyes at the inevitability of what was to follow, would materialise yet again. This time, however, Eberechi Eze was the man on hand, against his former club, to slam in the only goal of the game.

Discussions took place inside the press room with colleagues and with Arsenal supporters both before and after kick-off about the inevitability that the Gunners will, one day, lose a game. But it was not this day.

There has been just one defeat all season...