Things went from bad to worse when winger Gabriel Martinelli hobbled off with an apparent hamstring injury in the 37th minute, just two days after Arsenal stood pat in the January transfer window despite Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus already out through long-term injuries.

Arsenal wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri has enjoyed an impressive start to his senior career, seamlessly stepping into the Arsenal side but he’s not allowed to use the first-team dressing room.

Now we have to look forward – first of all, I think this is going to be a painful one – and when we’re in Dubai, recharge and go again because we still have a lot to play