Hector Bellerin's Emirates return
It will be a while indeed before the Emirates gets to see Hector Bellerin galloping down the right flank in an Arsenal shirt so for the time being they had to make do with a half-time appearance from the Spaniard, immaculately dressed as ever.
Bellerin, who is expected to miss the start of next season after damaging his knee ligaments in January, was the guest at half-time in the 2-0 win over Newcastle United and couldn't resist a brief dig at Tottenham, who Arsenal overhauled with their hard-won three points.
"It's good to be above Tottenham as it stands," he said. "They're always in our shadow!"
As for his recovery from injury, there was further good news for fans who had seen Aaron Ramsey give the Gunners' the lead.
"I'm feeling better every day and I can't wait to be back."
Gunnersaurus can't be beaten
The half-time penalty kicks is the perfect occasion for a bit of clowning around from Arsenal's iconic mascot, who has the sort of record from spot-kicks that makes Petr Cech look like a shootout specialist. The ball could be trickling right at him at one mile an hour and Gunnersaurus would find a way to let it in.
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At least he will when it's an Arsenal fan taking a spot kick. But when there's a rival supporter stepping up from a few yards out Gunnersaurus channels his inner David De Gea.
So when a member of the Arsenal In The Community project revealed to pitchside announcer Nigel Mitchell that he was actually a West Ham fan the stakes ratcheted up. This was a matter of professional pride for the last of his species. Could he ensure the Hammers didn't get one over on the Gunners?
Sprightly as a velociraptor, filling the goal like a diplodochus, there was no way Gunnersaurus was letting this one in. To the delight of the home fans he got across quickly enough to deny the fan, a historic moment for a goalkeeper with a pretty woeful track record!
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A match for the record books
Newcastle might be the best organised defence in the Premier League and though that is an admirable trait it does not make for the most exciting of games - though this did at least earn itself a spot in the record books.
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With just 10 shots from both sides across the whole match - only three of which came from Newcastle, with Bernd Leno only required to make one save - this game set a record low for the top flight season.
Indeed not since August 2015's match between Bournemouth and Leicester have two sides contrived to register fewer attempts on goal. Arsenal made the few opportunities they did have count on this occasion but Unai Emery will want to see more cutting edge next time.
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Arsenal For Everyone Matchday sees Gunners celebrate diversity
Today's game also brought with it a reminder of why Arsenal is such a unique family for its supporters throughout the world, as the work done by the club's community initiatives was celebrated in the annual Arsenal For Everyone matchday.
Since 2008 Arsenal For Everyone has celebrated the diversity of the Arsenal family, with the annual matchday seeing six Community participants on the pitch at half-time.
There was even a treat before kick-off as legendary guitarist, song writer and musical pioneer Nile Rogers introduced a video made by students at Clapton Girls' Academy.
Arsenal boss Emery said: "It is an important part of a football club that anybody can come and enjoy watching a match – it does not matter about their differences or background.
"As the head coach I want to make it clear that everyone is welcome here. On Monday night we will celebrate the diversity of the Arsenal family, because that is what makes us so strong."
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