Andrea Berta became the first Arsenal figure to leave the on-pitch Premier League title celebrations at Selhurst Park on Sunday.
The Italian departed while his colleagues remained engrossed in the festivities, having finally secured the trophy they had long been chasing.
Whether he needed the toilet or had something else in mind remains a mystery, but it ties firmly into his reputation as a relentless worker who gets deals done.
Without Berta, there is a strong argument that Arsenal’s title glory may never have materialised, alongside the contributions of Mikel Arteta, the squad, and supporters.
Berta oversaw a record-breaking summer spend, with Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, Martin Zubimendi and Cristhian Mosquera all proving to be major hits.
His early departure from the celebrations felt emblematic, almost as though he was already moving on to the next task ahead of another crucial transfer window.
It came less than a week after co-owner Josh Kroenke promised that Arsenal would not stand still following their title triumph.
Kroenke said in the matchday programme ahead of the 1-0 win over Burnley: “We will give everything we’ve got to win major trophies and you can rest assured that everyone at the club will continue the hard work to make the coming weeks unforgettable.”
Kroenke added: “Never before have we won as many games in a season as we have this time out — our 43 victories so far surpassing the 41 of our double-winning 1970-71 season.”
He continued: “We talked about reaching new heights during our pre-season tour to Singapore and Hong Kong, and those wins show the journey we’re on to achieve that.”
Kroenke concluded: “We have made great strides and now we all hope and believe we can take the final steps required to reach the top. We will do it together.”
It is said that Arsenal will not conduct as much transfer business as they did last summer, though the window remains significant.
There is an opportunity to move away from Manchester City, who have parted company with Pep Guardiola, depending on how ruthless Arteta and Berta decide to be.
