Remarkable Arsenal statistics somehow worthy of top four

How Arsenal Can Build on Premier League Form

There have been undoubted improvements since late December, but throughout the process the same issues have remained: inconsistency, lack of concentration, chance conversion and tempo through the thirds. A morale-boosting win over the Champions League finalists doesn’t suddenly absolve the manager and players of their wrongdoings throughout the rest of the season despite lifting the mood. They’ve all contributed to the frustration.

Arteta will know better than the fans where the improvements are needed. They’ve been prevalent all season. As the club move into the summer transfer window to end all summer transfer windows, such encouraging stats will go far. Even in player negotiations, targets will be shown the trajectory and told where they can raise that level.

Emile Smith Rowe, of course, has aided this plight, as it’s no surprise to see this run of form coincide with his regular inclusion in the starting lineup. Hale End has been pivotal in this run.

Arsenal still have a long way to go, and all the frailties that existed prior to Wednesday remain at large – at the top, middle and bottom.

What is vital now is to make this path sustainable. Ensure that the fine margins Arteta harks on about every week become a less frequent occurrence. Arsenal became a side relying on the smaller details to secure points, which was even prevalent with Olivier Giroud striking the crossbar twice.

Making the right movements in the transfer market will broaden those margins, and allow Arsenal to start controlling their own destiny. What the previous 21 matches have shown is that the bones of an improved – too soon for successful – side are there. Most of the flesh rotten and needs replacing, but there is a modicum of solace to be taken.