The Gunners had to respond when they found themselves in trouble after Son’s setback and the strongest reaction came from 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly, who put in a great performance and earned the standing ovation he received as he came from third place was dropped, fully deserved minutes ahead of time.

Lewis-Skelly claimed his youth was a major driving force and inspiration. He completed 30 of 32 passes and took responsibility when Arsenal needed him most. His manager described his performance as “amazing.”

Arteta said: “He was phenomenal. He is a real personality. He has so much confidence in himself. He has this attitude about himself. He had to play against Brennan Johnson and Dejan Kulusevski while managing the event. It’s not easy, but he was great.”

And Rice added: “The boy was incredible. Playing the way he is at just 18 is just ridiculous. No fear. Four or five times in the second half he used his body to get away from someone.”

If Arteta was looking for signs that he has reserves of talent to ensure Arsenal can remain in the hunt for trophies this season, then Lewis-Skelly, one of his rising young stars, has provided them.

Arteta told BBC Sport: “The attitude we played with, without feeling sorry for ourselves, was phenomenal. We played 120 minutes three days ago.”

“We had some big chances and big situations. In the end we had to suffer more than we wanted. When you have the opportunities, you have to take advantage of them. We are on a really consistent path in the Premier League.”

“Now it’s about recovery, then Aston Villa on Saturday, it goes on and on.”

And he added: “We know how important this game was and is. It’s a gift with which we can make the fans happy.”

Now he needs to give an even bigger gift in the form of a professional finisher who can ensure this victory isn’t a false foretaste of Arsenal’s Premier League title bid.