Arsenal are haunted by their past but Max Dowman’s fearlessness could save them

Mikel Arteta asked for perspective on a week he described as the “biggest opportunity” of his Arsenal tenure. His side are six points clear at the top of the Premier League with six games to go. They are potentially 90 minutes away from a Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid; a favourable draw.

Yes, things could be far worse. But after a catastrophic weekend, Arsenal are staring at the ghosts of their recent history. "We need to embrace that,” Arteta said, reiterating that his players must rise to the pressure that comes with the run-in.

“The higher you are, the bumpier it gets. It’s more demanding, and the line between being the best and the worst, is really, really thin, and you have to cope with that. ” The walls had felt like they were beginning to close in before Saturday’s ill-fated visit of Bournemouth .

Between then and their previous Premier League outing, four trophies had become two. Now nine points has become six. It could be become three at the Etihad this weekend – and then nought if Manchester City win their game in hand.