In each of the past four Premier League campaigns, Arsenal have recorded more points than the season before: from a nadir of 56 points (eighth) after Arteta took over midway through the 2019-20, to 61 points (eighth), to 69 points (fifth), to 84 points (second) to 89 points (second) last season, just two points behind champions Manchester City.

The talk around Arsenal this week has again been dominated by the club's search for a striker. After news broke that the Gunners had approached Aston Villa for striker Ollie Watkins, Mikel Arteta was always going to be asked about the striker search in the January transfer window.