Break out the bubbly, Arsenal fans. We can confirm you are top of the Premier League table.
Not the ACTUAL Premier League table, granted (pesky goal difference). But while the table that is based purely on points has you in second, we can reveal you are top when it comes to the next most important thing.
Scoring pretty goals.
Everyone knows Arsene Wenger's Arsenal have always put great importance on goals built on passing football. That's why the build-up to Alexis Sanchez's opener in the 4-1 win at Sunderland will have brought a big smile to the Frenchman's face.
Arsenal played a massive 22 passes in the move that led to Sanchez heading them in front at the Stadium of Light.
And that is the most for a Premier League goal this season - meaning the Sanchez goal had the longest, most patient build-up of any goal in the 2016/17 top flight.
Here's the top five for passing build-ups…
Alexis Sanchez vs Sunderland, 29 October - 22 passes
Romelu Lukaku vs Sunderland, 12 September - 21 passes
Philippe Coutinho vs Arsenal, 14 August - 19 passes
Juan Mata vs Leicester, 24 September - 18 passes
Junior Stanislas vs Hull, 15 October - 17 passes
Unfortunately for Arsenal fans, the build-up to the Sanchez goal was some way off top spot on the all-time Premier League list…
…a list headed by a TOTTENHAM goal. Nacer Chadli's goal against QPR on 24 August 2014 saw Spurs string together 48 passes before the finish.
FORTY-EIGHT!
Sorry, Gooners…
