Arsenal attempted 25 take-ons, their third most in a match this season, as part of the plan to drive at Brighton from out wide.

To illustrate just how unusual it was for Arsenal, compare the Gunners’ average positions against Luton Town in their previous fixture (image one) with their average positions at Brighton (image two).

Being so important to the counter-attacks, Jordan Ayew and Eberechi Eze were often a little bit higher and wider than Crystal Palace’s two central midfielders, opening a pocket of room that Guardiola targeted.

De Bruyne, working with Jack Grealish, caused a problem in this gap between Ayew and Adam Wharton.

For the first City goal Grealish draws players away to give De Bruyne the space, a common feature.

On Saturday, the issue was tactical as much as it was psychological.

“It was my mistake, I have to correct it,” Unai Emery said after the match. “Because [Sergio] Reguilon crossed three times for three goals. I have to correct it.”

All three were sloppy goals to concede. For the first, Villa failed to reorganise quickly enough after clearing a corner, meaning their back four were all mixed up and Lucas Digne, now at right-back, couldn’t handle Reguilon.

The second and the third goals were quick thinking and direct balls into Reguilon, whose aggressive attacking play took advantage of Leon Bailey failing to track back.

As Watkins said, Villa need to learn how to shut the game down – which starts with wide players like Bailey working hard to get back and help.