It wasn't the skilfully poached matchwinner which prompted the question.
After all, Sunday's solitary strike was only the 18th of Phil Jagielka's 381 Everton appearances, and not the area in which the archetypally typical old fashioned centre-back is expected to flourish.
But leadership, readiness for action and defensive certainty certainly are, and they are the qualities the Everton captain showed in abundance against The Gunners on Sunday, exactly when he wouldn't have been expected to display them.
The ill-timed illness suffered by Michael Keane in the warm up led to Jagielka not only being handed a rare start against the in form Alexandre Lacazette, but also tossed the captain's armband. His response was impeccable. Such was the quality of Everton's performance there were numerous candidates for man of the match at the weekend, but Jagielka's name was deservedly in the reckoning.
All leading to the question, could the 36-year-old have an Everton future beyond this summer?
Jagielka, along with his long-term defensive partner Leighto Baines, is out of contract in May.
And Jags himself isn't sure what lies ahead.
In his post-match interview he said: "We'll see what the future holds."
Marco Silva has been steadfast in his stance this season, which is that he will wait until the end of the campaign before he makes any pronouncement.
But while yesterday's performance means Jagielka has not done his chances of a one-year extension any harm, his age and injury record this term possibly has.
The absence of a convoluted handstand celebration to yesterday's goal perhaps pointed to the defender's 36 years.
Notwithstanding, the Blues skipper did kick off the season in the Everton starting line up. But a hastily brandished red card by Craig Pawson suddenly guillotined any further chance of impressing his new boss.
The consistently fine form of Kurt Zouma and Michael Keane prevented any kind of return, as did a knee problem.
But when Jagielka did get the opportunity to ease back in he performed admirably.
Everton have still to concede a goal when Jagielka has been on the pitch this season, and that admittedly small snapshot of football does include games against sides of the quality of Chelsea, as a 76th minute substitute, and Arsenal.
Jagielka was also at the heart of the defence for the 3-0 win at Cardiff in February.
Everton's central defensive options for next season are still uncertain. Kurt Zouma is still on-loan, while summer signing Yerry Mina has seen his debut season in English football punctuated by injuries.
Ultimately Everton's fortunes in the next six matches could hold the key for Jagielka.
Qualification for next season's Europa League would exacerbate the need for experienced depth and cover in the Blues squad.
Failure to reach Europe could reduce the need for an extension.
Whatever the outcome, Sunday produced another memorable performance from a player Everton have relied upon for 12 years.
And against Arsenal he showed he is still as reliable as ever.
Sunday's performance was a timely reminder.
