Arsenal’s new dawn (which may last a week...)

So scintillating were the skills and movement of this refreshed Arsenal side that seasoned manager Arsene Wenger felt it prudent afterwards to quash talk of a new generation of trophy hunters.

Although Wenger could not recall a better home debut than that of attacking midfielder Henrik Mkhitaryan in his 20-odd years in charge, and goalscoring Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was not far behind, he was aware that this weekend’s trip to Tottenham will serve as a more accurate marker than perennial whipping boys Everton.

The match was over when they led by four goals at half-time, just as it was in their last home game against Crystal Palace, as Aaron Ramsey scored two and Laurent Koscielny headed in before Aubameyang chipped a delicious debut strike.