A 5-0 collapse at Manchester City on Saturday left Arsenal with three losses without scoring at the start of the season for the first time in its history.

Arsenal’s calamitous performance shouldn’t detract from the ruthless efficiency of City.

In the week when the defending Premier League champions missed out on signing not only Harry Kane but also Cristiano Ronaldo, the existing attacking options did the job against a side reduced to 10 men after Granit Xhaka’s first-half sending off.

There were two goals and an assist from Ferran Torres, and goals from Ilkay Gündoğan, Gabriel Jesus and Rodri.

Perhaps it was expected. This was Arsenal’s ninth successive league loss to City, stretching back into Arsene Wenger’s reign.

Unai Emery and, now Mikel Arteta, have been brought in to try to revive Arsenal’s fortunes. But the Gunners look further than ever from getting back into the Champions League, let alone winning the title for the first time since 2004.

Arteta has had 20 months in the job since being hired away from City where he was Pep Guardiola’s assistant.