6-1. To criticize the team for failing to keep a clean sheet would be somewhat churlish, and if Wenger’s side consistently continue to produce the kind of football witnessed at Goodison Park on the opening day of the Premier League season, then the aberrations of the previous three seasons will be forgiven, filed under work in progress.

Significantly, Arsenal played as a team, a unit. There were some fine performances, but no-one stood out as head and shoulders above his colleagues. In the early stages of the game, everyone worked hard, including wide forwards Arshavin and Bendtner to prevent Everton posing a threat when they had the ball. Eventually, a mix of superior fitness and greater ability on the ball told. The 4-3-3 formation looked to have the solidity of a crisp packet in pre-season, but that’s why preparation games don’t mean a hoot. The players upped their level when it came to the real thing.

Arsenal were so good in possession that the defence had a relatively easy day. They made a decent David Moyes side appear little league. And that takes some doing. Mind you, it’s something Manchester United have often achieved at Goodison in recent seasons, and it’s the mark of a quality team to do it. Arsenal too have enjoyed good days visiting Everton, but many were in fear of this one.

Moyes’ team have achieved their standing – the sum is generally greater than the parts – through organization, grit and determination. That Wenger’s team of 2009 actually negated this fills this viewer with an unexpected sense of optimism for the season ahead. The qualities shown in the 6-1 victory were largely absent for 90% of last season’s matches. Much improved players included Bendtner, Denilson and Song. Footballers not regarded as good enough put in performances that surprised me (and going by the texts I received, many) and helped keep the level of the team high. Too high for Everton.

The only moment of serious doubt was the home side’s second corner, when Fellaini easily outjumped Vermaelen to see his header cleared off the line. Arsenal will have to work on their challenges at set pieces, as the defender hardly got off the floor at all. But yesterday, it mattered not. The Gunners’ work ethic laid the foundations for them to express their football to devastating fashion, create chances and crucially, convert them.

One swallow does not make a summer, but the importance of winning the first match cannot be underestimated for this particular team. They are heavily reliant on confidence and momentum. If they play like this every week, they will achieve so much more than recent seasons. But critically, if the work ethic remains when the moves aren’t coming off, then they will find that points will follow, even on the off days. That is how trophies are won. Getting the results when things aren’t all going swimmingly.

One thing that this result must not prevent is the idea that the squad needs strengthening. Song, for one, will be missing for 6 weeks halfway through the season. The team still need a Sol Campbell-style centre back. It’s plain that Wenger can’t spend the money from Manchester City until he is sure of winning the tie against Celtic, but once he is certain his team will go through, spend it he must.

However, that’s for the future. Now is the time to bask in the glow of the performance and the victory it delivered. Great preparation for the big game on Tuesday in Glasgow. Well played Arsenal.