On a sunny afternoon we blew away an insipid Wolves team, ending the season with a little flourish. This was a thoroughly enjoyable, not to mention heartwarming final day, and I don’t think we need to be cynical about it.

The football was stunning from the first to the last minute. And while we were deadly in the first half-hour, there was much to enjoy in the remainder of the match when we fluffed some expertly worked openings. 

The quality of our play suggested the progress made over the last two years or so isn’t in danger of evaporating. Naturally this performance, with all pressure removed, could lend credence to the idea that our failings have been psychological. 

Well fine, the sharp end of next season is a long way away. And if we go into 23-24 touted as also-rans because of how it ended this year, well maybe that’s all the better. Now isn’t the time to go into too much detail on what has gone wrong. 

But I can’t get over how much better #5 looked all of a sudden, drifting around in his new half-back role. His passing was crisp, he won the ball back imperiously, and he made all the right calls when he was squeezed. He was pivotal in the build-up to the first two goals, both scored by Xhaka, in what many believe is his send-off.

#5 wasn’t the only one who appeared rejuvenated. Ramsdale picked out players through the lines once more, Jesus was electric on the ball and bothersome when breathing down defenders’ necks, and Trossard rediscovered his final pass. 

Meanwhile Saka looked sharper than he’s been for weeks. As a consequence he was fouled all over the pitch and had to go off, but not before making his mark. 

Jesus showed up on the right for the first goal, and, once again, his accomplished wing work must make him a candidate to stand in for Saka occasionally. Xhaka showed up in boundless space to head home.

For the second, Saka, looking suddenly unburdened, twisted the defender inside and out, sparking pandemonium that gave Xhaka the opening to make it two. This was a couple of opportunistic goals, from a player who has transformed his game in the service of the team. When it comes to professionalism, and the fidelity to execute the manager’s gameplan on the pitch, we won’t find another like him. 

The third arrived before the half-hour and was a finely crafted move involving Partey and Odegaard, before Trossard nudged an inviting ball into Saka’s path. Saka cut inside the defender and curled it beyond Sá. It came in a match with zero stakes, but this was a goal as beautiful as any we’ve scored this season. 

As a group we pressed ferociously, and taking a moment to look at it, we played in a kind of compact 4-4-2 off the ball, with Odegaard pushing highest alongside Jesus out of possession. 

Trossard’s vision came to the fore again when he picked out Jesus at the back post, although the defender gave hours to ponder his options. Still, the whole situation was only made possible by an exquisite pass from Jorginho. 

The fifth goal was easily the scrappiest, and the biggest sign that Wolves were already on holiday. They failed to deal with a set piece, and Kiwior dug out a shot with his weaker foot that skewed out of the keeper’s grip. 

So yes, we turned it on when it no longer mattered, against a lacklustre and maybe demotivated opponent. But I’m taking heart from the idea that we can turn it on at all. You can only beat what’s in front of you, even if they weren’t really here. 

As a parting gift, the team produced a one-game encapsulation of all of the best things about our season. And if that does turn out to be Xhaka’s last match for Arsenal, then it could hardly have gone better.

Birdkamp.