Arsenal FC was notorious as a fallen world club, European at most on the scene when the ball rolls in the second-rate Europa League on Thursdays, nationally miles away from the class leaders of recent years, Liverpool and Manchester City. It’s different this season. Arsenal go into the international break eight points clear of City as leaders. The fans have long been dreaming of their first championship title in 19 years.
The commitment of coach Mikel Arteta included the risk of falling even further. It turned out differently.
