Alexis Sanchez provided the party piece as Arsene Wenger celebrated his 21st anniversary at Arsenal by insisting “nothing is permanent”.
The Frenchman has admitted he was tempted to quit before signing a new two-year deal in the summer.
And he came under more fire after the humiliating 4-0 Anfield defeat before the last international break.
But the Gunners are unbeaten in seven matches since and this mundane win over Brighton – enlivened by the cheeky Chilean’s backheel to set up the second goal – moved them level with champions Chelsea and just a point behind Spurs.”
This was Arsenal’s 11th consecutive home win in all competitions. “Our last international break was a nightmare,” he said. “This one was a bit better.”
Wenger admitted he wished there were now no pause in the domestic action after regained their momentum and mojo.
But at a club never too far away from another crisis, he was also philosophical about his latest landmark after taking over in North London on October 1 1996.
“I have kept focus on job always in good and bad circumstances,” he said. “When you are 21 years in a job you know that you have good and bad moments. No one can make 21 years and only fly. What I love in the game is to deal with the bad moments and find the response.
“I knew that after the game in Liverpool everybody would write us off and I knew it just depends on us, how much we respond. Nothing is permanent. You’re not bad in a permanent way. You can do something about it. We responded in a united way and we have put some wins together and some good performances as well.”
So are Arsenal, who made nine changes from their Europa League side, back in the title race? “Too early,” responded Le Prof. “Seven games, played 31 to go. Last year after six games, Manchester City was top with 18 points, so let’s not go too quick to conclusions. They played outstanding yesterday but it a long way to go.”
This win gave Wenger victory over the 45th different team in the Premier League, over-taking the mark he had shared with Sir Alex Ferguson.
But he complained his side were “not ruthless enough” and had “lost concentration” in an underwhelming encounter. Alexandre Lacazette had hit the post and Shane Duffy cleared off the line before Nacho Monreal opened the scoring after 16 minutes. Unfortunately the result was in little doubt after that. It was not a great argument for giving a bigger share of foreign TV money to the big clubs. Sanchez provided a touch of class for the second after 56 minutes when his backheel set up Alex Iwobi for his first goal of the season.
“I didn’t think Alexis would find me but it shows the skill he has,” said the Nigerian. “To have eyes in the back of his head and back-heel to me was amazing.”
Wenger praised Iwobi’s work-rate but wants more goals from the 21-year-old. He said: “What you want from him is final ball and goals as well. Players like him must score 10 goals and must give between six and ten assists. That is what I want of him.”