Arsenal vs Sheffield United: Five things we learned as the Blades rescue point with late goal at the Emirates

Arsenal 1-1 Sheffield United: John Fleck's late equaliser earned Sheffield United a point and frustrated the hosts, who led through Gabriel Martinelli’s first-half strike

1. Little to separate two sides with contrasting expectations

In August, few would have predicted Sheffield United to be four points ahead of Arsenal past the halfway stage of the Premier League season. But the newly-promoted club’s rise has been as dramatic as Arsenal’s fall.

They were the better side for much of this game, strangling their opposition in midfield and effectively using long, direct passes to get into dangerous positions in the final third. John Fleck’s late equaliser was fully deserved for Chris Wilder’s side in the end, and they remain above Arsenal. At this point, though, that is not a surprise. There is plenty to be positive and optimistic about for Sheffield United supporters.

2. Arsenal short of depth at the back

Arsenal, even on their best days this season, have looked alarmingly susceptible at the back. And that sense of constant danger was elevated against an accomplished Sheffield United side.

In the first half, the Blades squandered a couple of excellent chances and were given far too much space in the final third throughout. But it’s hardly surprising. Mikel Arteta, given his lack of defensive options, was forced to field a makeshift back four of Ainsley Maitland-Niles, David Luiz, Shkodran Mustafi and Bukayo Saka, who filled in commendably at left back.

These are not ideal circumstances for Arsenal’s new manager, though, and he will be more aware than anyone of the need to strengthen at the back.

Gabriel Martinelli put Arsenal ahead in the first half (Getty Images)

3. Martinelli continues to shine when given a chance

The young Brazilian striker, signed in the summer from Ituano, has without doubt been one of the highlights of a pretty dismal season for Arsenal.

His return of nine goals in all competitions, given his relative lack of game time, is hugely impressive, and he was typically threatening leading the line against Sheffield United. The 18-year-old took his goal well, too, latching onto a deflected cross and reacting quickest to convert from close range.

Everything suggests Martinelli, in the coming years, will be one of the Premier League’s most prolific strikers. And even at this nascent stage of his career, he is proving to be a very useful addition to Arsenal’s squad.

4. Sheffield United remain tough to beat on the road

Only Liverpool (who don’t lose games) have been beaten fewer times away from home than Sheffield United this season. And the two defeats Wilder’s side have suffered came against Manchester City and Liverpool, both of which are about as formidable as away trips get.

Even then, Sheffield United were only beaten 2-0. They are supremely organised, remarkably efficient and have a way of playing that seems to be even more efficient away from Bramall Lane.

They might even consider themselves unfortunate not to have left the Emirates with all three points, given the chances they had before Fleck’s goal.

5. Signs of a reinvigorated Mesut Ozil

Arteta has wasted little time in reinstating Ozil’s position in Arsenal’s starting XI. The German has been a regular over the last few games and is beginning to play with a swagger again, more like the player who made such an impact when he first arrived at the Emirates than the moping, almost anonymous figure of the last couple of years.

Ozil is still some way off his best and there will still be questions raised over his future at Arsenal. But the signs are promising, at least. His link-up play with Alexandre Lacazette in the build-up to Gabriel Martinelli’s goal was particularly impressive.

The hope will be that the 31-year-old keeps up a consistent run of form, something he hasn’t managed for a considerable period of time.