After Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Manchester City, a victory so nonchalant and understated it felt almost disrespectful, like holding a state funeral at a garden centre, Arsenal are 11 points from the Premier League summit.

If the ribbons are to be red and white of an Arsenal variety on the Premier League trophy, it will be down to Mikel Arteta ’s two secret weapons waiting in reserve. It’s no surprise the north Londoners’ dip in form has coincided with the absence of talisman Bukayo Saka, who went down injured during a match against Crystal Palace in mid-December.