Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted he was worried he had done the wrong thing when he quickly threw the ball back to Bukayo Saka to launch an attack during a 3-2 win away at Watford earlier this month.
The Spaniard helped the Gunners catch the hornets by surprise when he sprung from his technical area to act as ball-boy and give his talented winger the chance to take a throw on as soon as possible. Saka subsequently caught a Watford side napping as he threw the ball back into play, starting an attack which would eventually lead to Arsenal notching their third.
Cedric passed to Martin Odegaard, who laid a lobbed ball into the feet of Alexandre Lacazette. The Frenchman has been a crucial focal point for the Gunners attacks this term and his lay-off found Gabriel Martinelli, who made no mistake as his finish from the edge of the box left Ben Foster rooted to the spot.
In the aftermath of the goal, fans and pundits alike jokingly praised Arteta for his contribution to the goal - though a small minority suggested the strike should not have stood given the Spaniard left his technical area. Arteta himself has since confessed he had a similar view on it.
Recalling the incident to Sky Sports, the Gunners boss said: "There was a bit of banter about it, I don't know it was just my instinct from as a player to recognise the trigger of an advantage to be taken there. The players were sharp as well.
"I was happy about it but I don't know if it was the right thing to do, straight away I walked in and I sit on the bench and said 'I don't know how to feel about that.'" His efforts ultimately helped his side win the game as Martinelli's effort proved to be the difference between the two sides.
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Since then, Arsenal have taken three points away from games against Leicester City and Aston Villa either side of a mid-week defeat at home by Liverpool. The Gunners have managed to remain inside the top four after three games in six days.
Arteta's men boast a four-point advantage over their nearest rivals for Champions League qualification in Manchester United. Ralf Rangnick's side sit fifth having played a game more than the Gunners.
As a result, spirits are high among the red half of North London - though Arteta will be all too aware how their neighbours Tottenham Hotspur could actually provide them with the sternest test for fourth spot. Antonio Conte's side could be just three points behind should they topple West Ham United on Sunday.
