It was suggested by the long-time observers that there should be no judgement on the current state of the team until the games with Spurs and Reds are played.
After those tests, a more accurate judgement can be made about the performance of the team under Mikel Arteta.
We know what happened. One game and another game. One win and one loss. The team is at the top of the league.
No one is suggesting that the title could come back or that they are done with it. In the last eight days, they have shown that they are moving in an upward direction.
The win over the Reds showed a different indicator of the growth of this side under Arteta.
Gabriel Martinelli won his first battle to score inside the first minute, after his tussle with Trent Alexander-Arnold was flagged up as an area where the team could get joy.
The character of the Reds was tested when they responded with an equalising goal from Darwin Nunez and then went on to win the game through Roberto Firmino after Martinelli had put the visitors in front in the first half.
Here they gathered their composure, built momentum and secured their biggest win of the season, making their most powerful statement thus far in the process.
The winning goal came 14 minutes from time when Michael Oliver pointed to the spot after Thiago Alcantara's challenge on Gabriel Jesus.
While arguments continued, the youngster calmly drilled his spot- kick past Alisson and into the net.
The team was able to see out the win without any more problems.
Martinelli is the game's outstanding performer and he is one of the young gems being polished atArsenal.
After making his admiration for Martinelli clear in the build-up to the game, he was proved wrong as the 21-year-old Brazilian wreaked havoc on his side.
Alexander-Arnold's half-time removal was due to an ankle injury sustained challenging Martinelli, but it was still a miserable first 45 minutes for a player who is completely out of sorts.
The final outcome was just about right, despite the controversy surrounding the penalty that decided the game and the fact that a penalty not given after Gabriel's first-half handball was not given.
The celebrations at the final whistle showed how important this win was, not just for the three points that put them back above Manchester City, but also for self-belief and confidence at the end of a crucial week.
Arteta's touchline demeanor was frantic in the closing minutes as his team protected their lead, straying yards outside his technical area before being ordered back inside by the fourth official.
The taste of victory was sweet, not just in this game, but in the wider context of where the team is going.
There is a different feel to this compared to the other times in the post-Arsene Wenger transitional era, where they lost out on the trophy after having it all their own way.
The atmosphere inside the stadium has often been toxic and divided in the past. There is a lot of noise.
Arteta's "trust the process" slogan which has been questioned - and even mocked - at various stages since his appointment in December, was finally all in with the atmosphere at the stadium.
Despite being overwhelming favorites for a fifth title in six years, Manchester City are still seen as the team to beat in the league.
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