If there was one piece of news that could sound even better than a clean sheet and another three-goal win, it was this one. Everton taking points off City has put the title race back into Arsenal's hands, at least in spirit, and the timing could hardly be better with Atletico waiting tomorrow.
This is why Monday feels bigger than a normal league follow-up. Arsenal looked fresher and more direct against Fulham, and then came the reminder that nothing is settled yet at the top. Everton did not finish the job against Guardiola's side, but the 3-3 draw still gave Arsenal something precious: room to breathe.
That matters because tomorrow is not a night for panic, but neither is it one for comfort. A second leg against Simeone's Atletico asks for restraint, structure and strong feet on the ground. At the same time, it also asks for aggression and courage once the first opening appears.
That is where Viktor still sits at the heart of the conversation. He has already shown that he can trouble Atletico's back line, both in the league phase and in the first leg. Give him early service and Arsenal immediately look more dangerous, more vertical and more alive.
If Saka keeps releasing the ball without hesitation the way he did against Fulham, Arsenal have every right to believe in another big night. His presence changes the tone of the entire right side, and when he plays simply the whole attack breathes easier.
My hope is that Havertz and Odegaard are there as support, not forced into carrying everything if they are still short of full sharpness. These matches are too demanding for half-fit heroics. Better a balanced Arsenal than a brave but stretched one.
The mood around training has looked lighter, and after a Monday like this it should be even better. But the real question is whether that same mood survives when the stadium tightens and the first hard moment arrives.
Arsenal now have what they wanted most: a live title race and a semi-final that still feels touchable. Tuesday does not ask for perfection. It asks for a mature performance, a strong front foot and a team that does not blink first.
Author: B.