Mikel Arteta's infamous plea to Arsenal fans to 'trust the process' became a meme on social media, used by rival fans to tease the Gunners amid a turbulent stage in the rebuild.
Despite a rocky start to the season that held the north Londoners out to dry as a laughing stock, Arteta's side have overcome the waves of doubt and now are just five points adrift of Chelsea with two games in hand.
With the numbers in favour of Arsenal both on and off the pitch, the Spaniard has taken the Gunners to the next level in their pursuit of Champions League football.
So, Tom Canton spoke to scouting and tactics analysis expert Josh Williams live on The Arsenal Way 'Analysing Arsenal' show to delve into how Arteta upped the ante at London Colney.
Williams began by outlining how, despite the grief that the Spaniard as received, Arsenal have transformed themselves into a side destined for success.
"I've backed Arteta for a while," Williams said. "There's that been argument about 'trust the process' but, from an outside perspective when you're not emotionally involved, it is quite clear to see that Arsenal are very much on the right track.
"Arsenal have gone beyond now the period where you have to suffer a little bit and I think they're moving towards a game where they are dominant.
"They are seeing most of the ball, they are posting double the number of shots than their opponent, more penalty box touches than their opponent - just generally, if you're doing that every week then probability is on your side."
"Even if it's not particularly evident on the pitch at times, I think Arteta's described quite clearly what he's aiming for."
Williams added by explaining how Arsenal's shrewd £30m deal for Martin Odegaard has opened new avenues of tactical possibility for Arteta.
"It's sensible when it comes to how you use of Partey and Xhaka because I think, generally, Arteta's going to want a number of bodies in the final third supporting attacking moves," he said.
"If you can add an additional midfielder into that with the awareness that one of your other centre-midfielders is a bit more defensively orientated - very good at covering ground, proving your system is compact enough - I think it makes sense to push Xhaka on a little bit.
"Arsenal are very adaptable in attacking areas at times and it helps when you sign players like Odegaard while bringing through players like Smith Rowe and Saka."
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