If there was one crumb of comfort for Manchester United on Sunday, it was that the team that beat them has been in their position before.
Arsenal are very much looking like the champions-elect under Mikel Arteta, and United are very much looking like a work in progress, but one that is moving in the right direction.
Historically, it was United who always found a way to win, the archetypal "sign of champions," who always secured the three points regardless of the opposition. Arsenal deserve huge credit for how far they have come and the incredible points haul they have amassed at this stage of the season.
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At the end of the day, it was a team that has been rebuilding for three years beating a team that has only been rebuilding for six months. United have come a long way, but there is still a lot of work to be done.
United are not as far off winning the title as some pundits' hyperbole might suggest, and the success of Arsenal, who finished fifth last season, proves that a serious title challenge might only be a year away for Erik ten Hag's side too.
What is crucial is that this season is viewed as a 'bridge' season, one to begin their squad overhaul, implement a new style of play, establish Ten Hag's authority as manager, qualify for the Champions League and, if possible, end their trophy drought.
They are already on course to do all of those things, though it is clear that there are still some major jobs to do before United can be in a position to take their challenge to the next level.
United's tactical approach needs fine-tuning, with the side still reverting to the role of underdogs for most big matches rather than dominating proceedings on their own.
This will take time, as well as a few fresh faces. Four of the players who started at Arsenal were signed by Ten Hag, and it is already impressive what he has managed to get out of a core of players who failed so miserably last season.
The issue is that many of these players appear to have found their ceiling. While huge credit is warranted for getting more out of the likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Fred and Scott McTominay, they are still no more than squad players and are being found out.
Ten Hag also needs to solve the goalkeeping dilemma that has been so obvious this week. David de Gea made impressive stops against Palace in midweek, but against Arsenal he looked an awkward fit again, and poor distribution played a part in letting their opponents back into the game.
It is impossible to talk about United's rebuilding process without mentioning their issues up front, either. Anthony Martial is now in his eighth season at the club and still can't be relied upon for goals or fitness, and Wout Weghorst is a temporary fix who works hard but is not a constant threat in front of goal.
Signing a new striker remains the priority this summer, and there remains a belief that adding someone like Victor Osimhen or Harry Kane to this squad could well be akin to the huge impact Robin van Persie had when he arrived at the club over a decade ago.
Regardless of who might arrive this summer, there is also a need for a more consistent output from their wide men. Antony and Jadon Sancho have both shown glimpses of their special talents at United, but those performances have been few and far between.
So perhaps the most vital ingredient missing for United is consistency. Arsenal might not have the best squad in the Premier League this season, but they do have a hungry group of players who are aligned with their manager and have gathered incredible momentum.
That momentum has fuelled their winning belief, and in the closing moments of the match yesterday, it all came together as they pushed in hope of a winner with real confidence that they would do so. That in turn will only make them stronger and reinforce their ideas.
It might be hard for United to take, but it is at least proof that they are themselves on the right track and, with a bit more time, can emulate the success that Arsenal are having this season.
After such an agonising defeat, it is easy to get carried away with rash reactions. But now is the time for United to build bridges rather than burn them.
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