Arsene Wenger said before Sunday's visit to Old Trafford that he would always think of Robin van Persie as an Arsenal man.
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Whether the Frenchman still feels that way, having watched his former striker's jubilant celebrations after scoring the winner in Manchester United's 1-0 triumph, remains to be seen.
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Van Persie followed up his header by racing away in open-mouthed delight, skidding to a halt on his knees and being swamped by teammates.
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Then, fists clenched and arms raised, he turned to the home fans and let off some more steam.
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It was hardly the gesture of a player missing North London, any more than it was likely to mend broken fences with Arsenal's travelling faithful whose colourful chants had been far from complimentary.
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"Eight points clear, Robin," they had called out, but by the end of the match it was only five and United were back up to fifth place in the table having ended Arsenal's run of 15 unbeaten away games in all competitions.
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The match was seen as a big test of Arsenal's mettle, and of United's championship credentials at the start of the post-Alex Ferguson era, and Van Persie delivered his own verdict.
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Sold by a reluctant Arsenal to United for £24 million in 2012, he has made a point since then of rubbing in just what Arsenal let go - and are still missing up front - every time he plays against them.
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Sunday's 27th minute header, his seventh league goal of the season, kept up the Dutchman's record of scoring in every match against Arsenal since his departure - with three goals in three games.
His goal yesterday was fantastic!
Cracking Header I must say ...
Very good goal