Secondly, push them forward and be susceptible to the dangerous counters by West Ham?

Yes, it's a good point and I had thought of it, but City are so strong at the moment that dropping 4 points at this stage of the season is potentially unforgivable. To take a positive though, it is still in our own hands and all to play for.

You revealed something telling there, when you spoke of Arsenal not being quick enough on the counter. That comes back to my point; I said the bench is rich enough to solve such an issue– Saka at least. If the issue was solved you won't even think of this your plan B.

You make very good points, but I still think a plan B is necessary for any team if their usual system is not working and ours clearly wasn't in the second half. You catch the other team unaware as well as they are drilled to defend against your system, so occasionally opting for plan B makes it tougher to defend, quick crosses, some longer more direct balls out of defense.

You're right though Arteta is a quick learner and I'm delighted with what he has done with this group of players so far, and he's only getting started.