Fast forward 12 months, and the Gunners leave Prague having beaten Slavia 3-0 thanks to goals from Bukayo Saka and Mikel Merino. These two results show just how much Arsenal have changed in 363 days.
Under a barrage of pressure in the first half from Slavia’s home fans as much as the high press, they survived it and would ultimately look rather untroubled whilst using a rotated side.
The caveat in the anniversary is that Slavia are indeed not Inter. The Italian giants made it all the way to the final last season, whilst the team from the Czech capital bowed out in the League Phase.
However, it is Arsenal that are looking like a different side, despite retaining the same core. From that defeat at the San Siro nearly a year ago, seven players remained in the XI.
By coincidence, they made four changes this Tuesday night, bringing in fringe players Ethan Nwaneri and Christian Norgaard for rare starts in the midfield alongside the ever-consistent force of Declan Rice.
Both were solid and demonstrate how manager Mikel Arteta has improved a squad that lacked depth a year ago. The Spaniard has moved on Thomas Partey, who played against Inter, whilst injuries forced his hand in other selections, but those who came in looked the business.
Their biggest concern ahead of the match, as admitted by Arteta on Monday, was the loss of Viktor Gyokeres. The Swede limped off over the weekend with a muscle injury, and with his return date uncertain, auxiliary forward Merino returned to a position that he looked comfortable in last season when he was called upon.
A clinical finish at the start of the second half seemed to suggest that he has not lost that taste for goal. The same could be said for the rest of his teammates.
Coming into a cauldron-like atmosphere at Fortuna Arena, they proved that this iteration of Arsenal have the ability to withstand almost any test. This was their eighth-straight clean sheet - this defence looks unbeatable at the moment.
Guarded by Gabriel and William Saliba, they rarely let the opposition in behind them, whilst both are incredible threats from set-pieces - something we noted on Monday.
The squad, the bulk of it together for the third season, are at the sort of age where it clicks. Even with a few rotations, they look like a natural team with roles defined and communication telepathic; it feels like they are building some momentum that could last all season.
Arteta's team includes Max Dowman. At just 15 years and 308 days, he became the youngest-ever player to feature in a Champions League game.
Although his 18-minute cameo didn't bring much, just the fact that he is on the pitch at this level is an incredible achievement. He was one of two teenagers introduced late on, showing there are plenty of bright futures at the Emirates Stadium.
Their current form is reminiscent of Liverpool’s last year. Doing enough to beat teams both at home and on the road, without needing that top gear in most cases. It’s professional, clinical and the way you win titles.
It may only be November, and there is a long way to go, but this feels like the season Arsenal fans have been dreaming of.
