When is something entirely the same but so, so different? Because Arsenal’s second-half task against Manchester City was equal to their defensive rebellion when the two teams met for a title showdown in March but with much more on the line and much more to lose.
This time, hanging on to three points rather than just one – and with a mental barrier to overcome which had been worked on for years until Mikel Arteta arrived – it somehow felt even bigger than being six weeks away from a title.
Not just setting up to draw the life out of a match and play for a 0-0 draw with the hope of stealing points on the break or via a set-piece – much like the North London derby plans – but with a determined freedom to actually win the thing.
