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When you look at Arsenal right now you can see previous scars coming to the fore. Even before they lost out in both cups, dropping points seemed like a cataclysmic event.

The sinking to the ground when they drew to Wolves back in February painted a picture of a team who know how it feels to let it slip, and are unaware of how it feels to get over the line.

The recent Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City was a missed opportunity, for several reasons. Primarily, it was a trophy opportunity that passed them by. Secondly, it was a chance to make a statement against your direct rivals and the team that has been the source of so much heartache. Chance missed.

The manner in which City beat Arsenal was also a concern. After weathering the first-half storm, it felt like City came out ready to make a point that, as a football team, when we face you head on, we're better than you. They certainly were on the day.

And so all the talk of focusing on the next job, of getting back on track was in full flow. But Southampton didn't get the memo. Arsenal's FA Cup dream up in smoke at the Championship side. And so to the post mortem.

• Mikel Arteta issues immediate Arsenal demand after shock FA Cup exit to Southampton

• Mikel Arteta gave 'nervous energy' to Arsenal stars as familiar issue called out

A quadruple, to a treble and now a double. A Premier League and Champions League double is nothing to be shirked at, if anything its historic. But its not what everyone watching on was talking about a matter of weeks ago. Arsenal's ambitions have shrunk.

They'll be hoping their defensive options don't do the same. Gabriel, who has been the most impressive member of their back four this season, signalled to come off 20 minutes from the end at St Mary's. Arteta said on the Brazilian: "I think he felt something - I don't know exactly what it is. We're going to have to assess him - but obviously when a player is asking to be substituted, it's never good news.”

Arsenal, leading the table, being chased down, trying to stay composed and losing the heartbeat of their defence. Feels like a story that's been told before. William Saliba's injury in 2023 came in the spring with Arsenal seeking to land the title, only to falter in the final weeks.

That drop-off was stark minus the Frenchman. He was their pillar then, but now Gabriel is equally as crucial and, in the eyes of some, a more valuable player. Rewind three years ago and they won just three of their final nine games to let the title slip.

There are few who believe any sense of deja vu will be that damaging. They do still have to play City, who themselves have a game in hand, and if Pep Guardiola's side win both those games the gap is down to three points. It means Arsenal can win five and lose two of their remaining games and finish second.

The hope is that the Gunners are much better equipped as a result of their previous disappointment. They won't be the first team in history who had to endure some heartbreak before they eventually got over the line.

Additions of key personnel, the likes of Declan Rice, will help their cause as they seek to quash the outside noise. Arteta's team are also much better defensively, they can now call on the likes of Cristhian Mosquera and Ben White to cover for Gabriel, should his injury be something more long-term.

The hope of course is that he shakes off the aforementioned issue and he and Saliba and continue their partnership. But if not, Arsenal have the personnel that they simply didn't three years ago.

Back in 2023 it always felt like Arsenal were ahead of their curve, overachieving by being top. Who's to say that expectation didn't wear heavy on a group of players, the majority of whom hadn't won the title. Now, they're exactly what they're supposed to be and have been nearly all season.

Arteta has continued to cut a measured figure in press conferences, even if his antics on the touchline do divide opinion. He's nothing but animated and some questioned whether that demeanour is having a positive impact on his team.

The loss at Southampton will do nothing to stop the doubters. Arsenal, if they do get over the line, will by no means be the most endearing champions in Premier League history. Their methods, largely their dead ball prowess, has not been to everyone's liking.

There seems to be a will from certain corners of the football world to see a north London implosion with a Tottenham relegation and Arsenal second place finish the double some fans are counting on.

Even if the Gunners don't do the double and land only the league, it will still get the monkey off their back in a major way. Titles are hard to come by, especially with Guardiola breathing down your neck. The Catalan proved he could win the title when he did so in 2018, by a canter, and then had to prove he had the stomach for a fight, which he did in 2019.

His former lieutenant Arteta will need to prove he can do both simultaneously.

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