Saturday afternoon’s defeat at home to West Ham United felt like the death knell for Arsenal’s title challenge.
A first-half Jarrod Bowen goal and a Myles Lewis-Skelly red card midway through the second half meant Arsenal dropped points for the 11th time this season.
An unsustainable return for a side aiming for Premier League glory - not to mention the five red cards the Gunners have picked up this term.
But what if there’s still a chance Arsenal could be crowned Premier League champions come May?
If the ribbons are to be red and white of an Arsenalvariety on the Premier League trophy, it will be down to Mikel Arteta’s two secret weapons waiting in reserve.
It’s no surprise the north Londoners’ dip in form has coincided with the absence of talisman Bukayo Saka, who went down injured during a match against Crystal Palace in mid-December.
The Englishman later required surgery on his hamstring injury, with a return expected to come in the spring.
Be that in the Premier League or the Champions League, Saka returning to the Arsenal XI is of paramount importance
Despite not playing a game since 21 December, Saka still sits top of the Premier League rankings for most big chances created - Arsenal’s attack isn’t the same without him.
Gabriel Martinelli’s return is just as crucial for Arteta and co. given the limited options they currently have in attack.
Mikel Merino started as Arsenal’s striker in the defeat against West Ham, while on-loan Chelseaman Raheem Sterling came off the bench to little avail.
A goal-shy Arsenal with these two-star attackers back in the team could have their end-of-season fortunes transformed.
It would require a major turnaround, but it isn’t beyond the realms of possibility.