Charlton - 0 Arsenal - 3The points, plaudits and records keep rolling Arsenal's way. The Premiership is already being billed as the League of One. But Arsene Wenger wants the best of all possible worlds for Arsenal - to be admired and loved.
The Frenchman wants the legacy of his English management to be the greatest team in Arsenal's history. Many observers at the Valley would say he has already produced it.
Alan Curbishley spoke in terms of Arsenal setting new levels; his Charlton side had just played against "something different". The minds are already being won.
The best of Arsenal has not been seen on foreign fields, however, and it became clear, as Wenger considered the latest Champions League campaign, where his heart's desire lies.
Yet, even here, reaching the summit of Europe, he raised the bar. For there is the small matter of style.
Wenger's desire is to see his team playing "perfect football".
He did not go so far as to specify a time span, reminding everyone that, in Borussia Dortmund tomorrow night, Arsenal were playing "a big team".
England's own champions merit that description in every sense. Patrick Vieira bestrode the midfield, ultimately a French-Brazilian axis, with a towering performance that justified Wenger's faith in his captain's fitness.
If Vieira is "cooked", then how good will he be when he declares himself fresh? "Tired like that," said Wenger knowingly, "I'll love him the whole year."
Wenger has already spoken of a power shift from Old Trafford to Highbury, but he was not rubbing in the point here after Manchester United's dismal week.
"United will be up there, don't worry about that," he warned. But he clearly believes the championship is Arsenal's to lose.
All three goals defined teamwork, the pick being Vieira's lay-off for Sylvain Wiltord after the captain ran from inside his own half to find a good scoring position himself.
Edu's original pass, slid as if along an invisible tape measure, was a prize-winner in itself.
Confronted by such precision, pace and self-belief, Charlton were eventually goaded almost beyond endurance.
