Everton captain Phil Neville believes Arsenal now have the steel to challenge for the title. After seeing them stand up to the physical challenge at Goodison, Neville is convinced the days of Arsenal being bullied out of their stride are over.
"They seem a little more resilient now," said the former England full-back. "They are always going to play fantastic football - that's never going to change - but, towards the end, they were getting men behind ball and getting challenges in.
"You always fancy yourself to rough them up. But we couldn't do it, and that's where they have improved. You could see the difference. We have always caused them problems with our energy before. They haven't been able to cope, but they did this time. They were deserved winners.
"They won't match the Arsenal team that had Patrick Vieira and Martin Keown in it, but they have developed with each year. They have added experience to their other qualities, and now maybe they're getting what it needs to win at places like Everton, Stoke and Bolton.
"The conditions are not always perfect, and they have been beaten up in the past, but not now. They have a great manager who knows these youngsters will realise their potential in years to come.
"They are gaining experience and beginning to appreciate it's not always about playing pretty football and trying to score the perfect goal. You can come away and win in a manner people aren't used to seeing from Arsenal, and it will count just as much.
"Chelsea and Manchester United don't always win playing pretty football. You have to make sure you pick up points when you're not at your best, and Arsenal are learning that now."