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Finally, a moment to exhale. As Bukayo Saka shot low and hard through the Olympiakos goalkeeper to complete a somewhat nervy 2-0 win, the noise from the home crowd was more a weary, relieved exhalation than a celebratory cheer, with the sense, finally, of a midweek task accomplished.

This match was one Arsenal seemed destined to win, even though seeming to realise this a little too early during the match facing determined and spirited rivals. No team draws the stern and unforgiving eye quite like this Arsenal team, for which a deep roster, the unforgivable act of assembling a potentially title‑winning team, is the latest crime in the record books.

Yet on occasion it’s essential to complete the task. Even at kick-off the stadium felt like a routine venue, a continuation of the rush hour high street outside the hard white lights, London urgency, business-like football, a necessary task as we head now toward that seasonal phase when the lights come on at four and the campaign really starts to shift gears.

Beyond the win, two interesting things occurred for Arsenal. The Norwegian playmaker completed the full match. Meanwhile Victor Gyökeres went the distance as well. They achieved this in distinct manners. Ødegaard was brilliant, even during spells when the team struggled, and this is important: numerous involvements, multiple attempts, an assist, a reel of delightful passes, subtle touches, prompts. He truly stands as a pleasure to observe when he’s in this form, part feather-footed artist, half relentless pressing force, darting around like a drop of water in a sizzling skillet.

Gyökeres was Gyökeres: energetically blunt, haring about the place from first to last like a man being chased by a sheep dog. But Gyökeres was also interesting because he represents evolution, different patterns, and to striving for higher standards. There are lessons to absorb at this stage, though this game wasn’t really one of them.

Martin Ødegaard was brilliant when Arsenal were not.

This was the second team owned by Evangelos Marinakis Arsenal had come up against in the last three weeks and Marinakis was duly present in a $500 white T-shirt and a sleek designer jacket, appearing as someone who constantly is heading toward a speed boat, has just got off a speed boat, or is currently on a speed boat, ideally accompanied by a group of ponytailed men over a melodic rock score.

A few amusing incidents unfolded early on. José Luis Mendilibar, the passionate Greek side’s coach, became embroiled in a tangle with the fourth official, a imposing figure, reminiscent of a doorman at the entrance to a nightclub only for bouncers. Down the left flank the Arsenal defender, tall and sturdy, guarding Daniel Podence, small and agile, had a slight mismatch appearance. For a period this threatened to become a stroll, with an opening goal made by the duo. It was a splendid move, a feather-light brush stroke then a fist straight through the canvas.

First Ødegaard did something smart, drifting into a pocket of space between midfield and defence, dodging a defender then delivering an ideal ball between two grey shirts to meet the sprint of the striker. From that point, enter: the Smashing Machine, the forward bulldozed past a pair of defenders, before blasting a shot through Tzolakis. As the ball trickled towards goal Gabriel Martinelli tried to let it run in, then smacked in the rebound after it hit the woodwork.

This was the best of Gyökeres, who sometimes appears far from a very good basic footballer among these teammates, but doesn’t seem to mind, or intimidated. Olympiacos gave him some rough stuff after the goal. He was jounced and bumped and barged. He rose, returned for further action.

Gyökeres is just a different beast, in this team, possessing that unmistakable style of carrying the ball, not so much dribbling as knocking it ahead and then chasing it down, similar to a large dog pursuing a toy. He’s a battering ram. Yet this is acceptable. The team previously lacked a bludgeon in the past.

He must improve, more rapid in shooting, sharper when the competition narrows. However, this is noteworthy, because Gyokeres is also the only part of this re-geared team yet to fully integrate.

It’s not yet time to relax: that will only come after West Ham on Saturday, but the team can presently at least adjust their crampons and recharge briefly.

It seemed apparent the fall schedule would break down into two distinct parts. The initial segment is now behind them. A busy run of matches, including key rivals, top opponents, league sides, Manchester City and Champions League teams, and concluded here with a tricky night versus the domestic title holders.

Following that stretch the record reads: seven victories, one defeat, drawn one with five clean sheets. There are also unseen positives. Scoring distributed across the squad, and just a single goal allowed from open play. They have cover for Saka, cover at the back, alternatives in midfield. Most importantly the manager has demonstrated flexibility, adapted in real-time, has been impressively fluid and decisive in his tactics in the last three games, in a time of overly rigid tactical trends across the league.

This isn’t the start of a new era. This is not even the end of the beginning. However, the upcoming fixtures represent, in outline, a favorable stretch by comparison, with five league games that look winnable and the European competition currently on track. Assuming normal conditions, and with the captain in fine form, there is a feeling of momentum building. And almost, but not quite, time to take a breath.