Arsenal return to the Emirates Stadium on Thursday night with another chance to underline their Premier League title credentials against defending champions Liverpool.
This fixture arrives at a moment when the contrast between both sides could hardly be sharper.
Arsenal come into the game rampant, confident and increasingly unassailable, having built momentum that now feels sustainable rather than fleeting.
Mikel Arteta’s side have won seven matches in a row in all competitions and five consecutively in the league, combining resilience with control at the sharp end of the season.
Their comeback win over Bournemouth at the weekend was another example of a team capable of absorbing pressure and still asserting authority when it matters.
Even with errors and rotations, Arsenal continue to find solutions, which is often the clearest marker of genuine title contenders.
Liverpool, by contrast, arrive in north London searching for stability rather than momentum.
The champions were held to a damaging 2-2 draw by Fulham last time out, conceding deep into stoppage time after appearing to have secured victory.
That result exposed familiar issues around game management and defensive concentration, problems that have lingered despite a respectable unbeaten run.
Arne Slot’s side remain difficult to beat, but recent performances suggest a team living on fine margins rather than dictating matches.
Their last two league outings have ended in draws, and the intensity that once defined their dominance has looked inconsistent.
Arsenal will see this as a significant opportunity, particularly at a ground where they have been close to flawless this season.
The Gunners have won 14 of their 15 home games in all competitions, including each of their last 12, and the Emirates has become a genuine advantage again.
There is also a psychological edge at stake.
Liverpool are one of only two teams to have beaten Arsenal in the league this season, edging the reverse fixture at Anfield back in August.
That result still lingers, but the context has shifted dramatically since then.
Arsenal are now more settled, more ruthless and far more assured in their identity.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are without their usual air of inevitability and appear vulnerable when asked to protect leads or absorb sustained pressure.
Still, Arteta will demand caution.
Liverpool remain an opponent capable of raising their level for big occasions, regardless of form or personnel.
Their attacking quality and experience mean any lapse can be punished quickly.
Arsenal therefore cannot afford complacency, even with confidence flowing freely.
This is a test not just of form, but of maturity.
A controlled, authoritative performance would further reinforce Arsenal’s status as genuine title favourites.
Anything less risks reopening questions that they have spent months answering.
