New Year cheers...and fears: How Arsenal's title hopes stack up

Victory over Brighton sent the Gunners seven points clear at the summit but what did it tell us about the long-term credentials of Mikel Arteta's side?

TERRIFIC TRIO: Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli (centre) celebrates with team-mate Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka after scoring their side's fourth goal of the game during the Premier League match at the American Express Community Stadium, Brighton. Pic: Adam Davy/PA Wire.

Top of the league, seven points clear and confidence higher than for many years, it’s natural that Arsenal fans are now dreaming of their club’s first league title since 2004 after a 4-2 win over Brighton. 

But what does their performance on the south coast tell us about the reality of that ambition and what are the pointers that suggest whether it is realistic or still in the balance?