Edu's £101.8 million summer shopping spree on defensive reinforcements raised major questions over Mikel Arteta's ability to lead Arsenal forward after a rocky start to the season.
Despite the fact that Aaron Ramsdale and Takehiro Tomiyasu, arguably two of the Gunners' most influential signings of the summer, had not yet been integrated into the side, the Gunners came under scrutiny for failing to address what looked like key areas
Many fans questioned whether Arteta should remain in charge in the wake of three successive defeats to open the season but the Spaniard has weathered the storm and guided his side to fifth in the league in the process.
The Gunners have enjoyed a promising run of form having won four of their last five games with the only loss against title contenders Liverpool and can go fourth tonight and leapfrog West Ham if they win at Manchester United.
With Arteta's side in good stead, Tom Canton spoke to tactics expert Josh Williams live on The Arsenal Way 'Analysing Arsenal' show to delve into how the Gunners can reach the next level, with a clear top three beginning to form in the race for the title.
The Gunners' base statistics in the Premier League this season was up for discussion, as well as the way in which Arsenal are imitating what Manchester City have done under Pep Guardiola, with Jorginho's recent error in Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Manchester United cited as an example of what Arsenal have improved in their setup and general play.
"I don't think Arsenal are overperforming too much," he said. "According to 'Understat', which is a website I use sometimes, Arsenal are expected to have, based on their performances so far, 18 to 19 points - they actually have 23, So, they're overperforming by four or five points there.
"In attack, they should have three more goals than they've actually got - so they're underperforming when it comes to putting the ball in the net and converting chances.
"In defence, they're overperforming and they should have actually conceded about five goals more than they have. So, there is some overperformance when it comes to Arsenal but I don't think it's a case of the chickens will come home to roost and they fall off a cliff.
"I think what Arsenal need to do is just keep up their performance numbers and keep them in your favour every week.
"It sounds very simple but if every week you're taking around double or three times the number of shots as your opponent - closer to goal as well - if you're less open to the randomness of football and how it can sting you.
"That's one of the reasons Guardiola wins wherever he goes because, yes he has great players, but he removes elements of chance by seeing all of the ball, all of the shots - it's almost boring watching Manchester City.
"I watched Chelsea against Manchester United when Jorginho slipped, that just feels like that wouldn't happen at City so Arsenal just need to put the performances beyond any reasonable doubt.
"If they do, they'll start to win more than they lose. I think it'll happen and I think they're on the right track. I'm pretty comfortable with where Arsenal are and that they're moving in the right direction."
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