Arsenal lost this derby but Arsène Wenger may point to signs of progress offered up by his side even in defeat. Certainly, there was encouragement to be had here from the displays mustered by his midfield, an area of the pitch the visitors dominated for long periods. The Frenchman could even cling to flashes of newfound defensive sureness, which bodes well for the future even if it did not glean his team even a point.
