When Arsene Wenger announced he would be stepping down as Arsenal boss at the end of last season, nobody could tell for sure whether he jumped or was pushed.

Three months on and with a new manager at the helm in Unai Emery, the situation is not much clearer in that regard.

Irrespectively, though, the Gunners faithful have good reason to be optimistic about their chances of succeeding under the former Paris Saint-Germain boss.

Emery has already welcomed £70 million worth of fresh talent to his squad, including highly-rated midfielder Lucas Torreira and a first-choice goalkeeper for the foreseeable future in Bernd Leno.

Arsenal fans were treated to a glimpse of Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Matteo Guendouzi during their pre-season opener against National League side Boreham Wood on Saturday, but it was Wenger’s final signing who stole the show at Meadow Park.

As something of an indirect gift from the legendary Frenchman to usher in the new campaign, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netted a hat-trick within the first 20 minutes of a comprehensive 8-0 victory.

Wenger has had since the end of May to reflect on what he did for the club over two decades of service, and when asked about the biggest mistake of his career, his answer was perplexing at best.

His resignation was coupled with an obligatory statement from Wenger as well as Arsenal’s majority shareholder Stan Kroenke – both of which highlighted his admirable commitment and longevity.

However, rather than picking out a low point from the several highs throughout his extensive tenure, the Frenchman believes the length of his association with one club tops his list of regrets.

When asked to identify his one biggest mistake, Wenger told French media outlet RTL via Goal: “Perhaps staying at the same club for 22 years.

“I’m someone who likes to move around a lot, but I also like a challenge. I've been a prisoner of my own challenge at times.”

Wenger had numerous opportunities for a change of scene, particularly during spells of turbulence from 2010 onwards when Arsenal were struggling to keep pace with their domestic and continental rivals.

But despite fans calling for him to walk, he refused to bow to the pressure and dug his heels in, much to the dismay of sections of the Emirates.

Some view Wenger’s longevity at Arsenal as only positive; others may insist his latest comments are extremely hypocritical.

Whatever side of the fence one sits on, the promise of a clean slate under Emery is becoming more appealing as the new season creeps ever closer.