Here was something Arsenal sorely needed at the start of the all too lengthy absence of Bukayo Saka, something managers crave most of all at this stage of the season: an extended workout, a prolonged session of at least 45 minutes to start smoothing out the issues that cannot run for over two months.

Bukayo Saka has been ruled out for many weeks after the Arsenal winger picked up a hamstring injury; the England international is a key cog down the right hand side for Mikel Arteta - so who could replace him on that wing?

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says Bukayo Saka is likely to be sidelined until at least March following surgery on his hamstring