In the build up to Sunday's clash with Manchester City, all questions surrounded the mentality of Arsenal and whether they had learned from last year's collapse. 

Could they go toe-to-toe with the big boys, or would it prove once again to be a step too far?It may not have been pretty, but the 0-0 draw was yet further proof of the evolution of Mikel Arteta's side. 

The game itself was a non-starter for the neutral.

A tight and tense affair, it was clear that Arsenal's approach to the match was to ensure they didn't lose the game before thinking about winning it. 

What we did see though is what makes Arsenal such a dangerous side.

In the weeks preceding the international break, flowing football was the order of the day. A string of fine attacking performances saw The Gunners routinely rip teams apart, demonstrating the ruthless nature of the side. 

Sunday though was a masterclass in frustrating a superior opponent.

Arteta has shown in big games that he can nullify the attacking threat of the opposition with his well-organised and clearly well-coached side. Man-to-man in certain areas of the pitch but with wingers tucking in as additional defenders when the ball enters their own third.

It sounds so simple, but to maintain that level of concentration for the full 90 shows how disciplined this side has become.

This considered approach has seen Arsenal collect eight points from their two title rivals. If Arsenal are going to lose the league title, it won't be because of that statistic. It will be arguably the two games against Fulham that saw them amass just a single point.

There has been criticism though of Arsenal's approach to the City game from some supporters and various sections of the media. Some have even gone as far as to describe the display as "anti football". The performance though was one of necessity.

Arsenal have not won at The Etihad since 2015. In fact, they hadn't even got a point there since 2016.

In the midst of a title race, Arsenal couldn't afford to lose.

While it may not have mathematically ruled them out, it would have signalled a monumental blow to morale that could have been detrimental to their aspirations.

To criticise Arsenal for not playing an open and expansive game against a side notoriously able to pick you apart is baffling. What were Arsenal supposed to do? Down tools and let City have their way? 

Instead, Arsenal restricted the Premier League, European and World Champions to just a single shot on target.

Ironically, Arsenal arguably created the better opportunities to win the game, albeit with significantly less possession. 

Despite such a positive result, Arsenal now find themselves in second place and with the destiny of the Premier League trophy out of their control. 

It is now about how Arsenal finish the season. With 27 points left to play for, they know that near perfection will be required in order to get their hands on the trophy that they crave.

Having won eight of their last nine fixtures, it's likely that an even better run will be required to get the job done.

We can be satisfied with the draw at City, but now it's time to put that behind us and focus on the first of nine cup finals. 

It could be very special.