If this blistering match is to develop into the title race, Arsenal look much further ahead than their new three-point lead over Chelsea.
Xabi Alonso’s side had a spark and an energy that pushed the champions, but they didn’t really have a midfield, and that meant they didn’t have control, which brought Alonso’s first defeat. It is that control which marks Arsenal apart, after a 2-1 win that maintains their 100 per cent record after three games.
