How are they doing?

The good news for Arsenal is that Pep Guardiola’s side endured a 1-1 draw at lowly Sporting Gijon on Saturday night, rescuing a point only thanks to David Villa’s strike. The bad news is that Barca won their previous 16 La Liga games – a record – sit clear of Real Madrid in the table, boast the world’s best player, the core of the Spain team who lifted the World Cup in July and are emerging not simply as the best side in Europe but one of the best in history.