deliberate strategy to prioritise the energy put into the Champions League qualifier and not the opening game of the season. We’ve seen a sufficient increase in work rate at the end of our last few seasons when we find ourselves playing one game a week rather than two. The squad is currently thin and not only that but is carrying knocks so the chance for rotation is minimal.

The attitude of the players in midweek at Fenerbache was superb. On the front foot, aggressive in our football and determined to get the result. We will be needing some if not all of that today at Craven cottage against Fulham. I spoke about the rise in intensity after the game and I now wonder if it was a deliberate strategy to prioritise the energy put into the Champions League qualifier and not the opening game of the season. We’ve seen a sufficient increase in work rate at the end of our last few seasons when we find ourselves playing one game a week rather than two. The squad is currently thin and not only that but is carrying knocks so the chance for rotation is minimal.

Our match at Fulham last season was very tight and we certainly rode our luck a little as the ten men in white looked to exploit us on the break. On another day they would have scored an equaliser, needless to say I hope that ‘another day’ is not today.

As I write this, @GeoffArsenal on Twitter has said that our team may line up like the following..

Arsenal Line Up:

Youngster Gedion Zelalem is on the bench, I wonder if he will be given pitch time today. Looks quality but 16 is so very young for this level.

Anyway, quick post today now I have to get ready to watch the game.

Come on you Gunners!