Churning out results is a sign of a true title contender.
It is a phrase that has been used heavily by fans, pundits and coaches in recent years, but rarely has it felt more fitting than it does with Arsenal, even if this week was far more comfortable than most.
Mikel Arteta’s side sent a statement to their title rivals with a 4-1 win against Aston Villa, bringing an end to their run of 11 consecutive victories. However, it was not just the result that sent shockwaves, but the manner in which the Gunners dealt the blow to Unai Emery’s side.
Arsenal asserted their dominance from both set-pieces and open play. Gabriel nodded home from a corner to break the deadlock, before excellent finishes from Martin Zubimendi, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus earned the plaudits.
David Raya once again showed why he is arguably the best shot-stopper in the league. While he could not add to his Golden Glove tally, an outstanding double save ensured Arsenal remained in complete control.
The Gunners then travelled to the South Coast to face a Bournemouth side who were the only team to complete a league double over them last season.
An early blunder from Gabriel allowed Evanilson to give the hosts an early lead, but it also presented Arsenal with a chance to demonstrate how they respond to adversity.
And respond, they did.
Gabriel made instant amends at the other end, firing home after some excellent footwork from Noni Madueke to drive past Antoine Semenyo and work the ball into the box. Declan Rice, who was forced to miss the Villa clash with a knee injury, returned with a brace, arriving in the right place at the right time to find the back of the net twice.
Even when Eli Junior Kroupi sent the ball flying into the net from 25 yards, Arsenal dealt with the shift in momentum professionally, seeing out the final 15 minutes to secure another crucial three points.
To make the week even better, it was far from ideal for their title rivals.
Aston Villa fell to defeat at the hands of Arsenal, while Manchester City were held to draws against Sunderland and a managerless Chelsea.
As a result, the Gunners head into the midweek fixtures still with a seven-point advantage - a welcome cushion after weeks of Manchester City breathing down their necks.
Window shopping
When asked whether he was looking into the transfer market this window last week, Arteta responded: “We are open to every option.”
The Gunners have endured their fair share of injury problems and may yet look to strengthen their ranks as they push on in their title bid.
Further down the ranks, central defender Maldini Kacurri has returned from his loan spell with National League side Morecambe.
Having previously gained experience at Bromley last season, Kacurri could now be eyeing a move for the remainder of the campaign at a higher level, with several EFL clubs expected to show interest in the Albanian international.
Arsenal have also continued to closely monitor their academy pathway, with recent recruitment including highly-rated Irish forward Victor Ozhianuva from Shamrock Rovers, as well as talented Ecuadorian twins Holger and Edwin Quintero from Independiente del Valle.
Meanwhile, Blackburn Rovers’ Igor Tyjon remains a player of interest. Arsenal saw bids turned down for the 17-year-old in the summer, but he may now be more attainable with the forward entering the final six months of his scholarship deal with the Riversiders.
A look ahead
Both of Arsenal’s academy sides and the women’s team return to action this weekend following a break in the calendar.
Max Porter’s U21s welcome West Brom to the Mangata Developments Stadium on Friday evening, with the chance to climb the table against a side that have collected just six points from nine matches.
The U18s kick off Saturday’s action against Leicester City, before attention turns to the Emirates at lunchtime, where Arsenal host Manchester United in the WSL.
There may be a first outing for Sweden international Smilla Holmberg, who completed her move from Hammarby IF on Monday.
Before then, Mikel Arteta’s side face a huge test on Thursday against Liverpool as they look to maintain their excellent run of form, while Portsmouth await them in the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday.