Champions League football had been firmly in Arsenal’s grasp but they face an almighty battle to secure it now. The league table shows they remain well in the fight but, should they tail off, it will not be hard to identify the week when things slipped away.
While this defeat did not outwardly match Monday’s reverse at Crystal Palace for ignominy, it was just as bad. They only got going in the final 10 minutes and could not feel surprised when it was too late to turn things around; Mikel Arteta may have to field some blame himself for responding to unwelcome absences with a team selection that never looked balanced.
