Before Leicester. The final test without captain

Arsenal has gone through a very rough patch with a very decent outcome. Victory at Spurs away, draw with Atalanta in CL, split points at Etihad with keeping the main title rivals only at 2 point distance. All these results were achieved without our captai

Arsenal has gone through a very rough patch with a very decent outcome. Victory at Spurs away, draw with Atalanta in CL, split points at Etihad with keeping the main title rivals only at 2 point distance. All these results were achieved without our captain. The one most able to open up defences, the one most able to command the pressing and press for 80 minutes. And while Leicester on paper is the easiest fixture, it's a different type of test.

Leicester and subsequent opponents will most likely try to deploy a deep block, similarly to one we did on Etihad (but definitely not as dark) and let their front three led by Red Bull - powered Vardy fly into counterattacks. So will be able to pass that final test of team maturity? Will we open that deep block without our captain? Will we find the net without the best chance creator?

In order to do that we'd need someone who's very good with the ball at their feet. Someone whose movement on the field is even more abrupt than Bukayo Saka's. Someone whose face displays the concentration during the whole game. Someone who can run into the box behind the striker into a freed-up space to score goals. Someone who has already scored recently, preferably this week, to boost their confidence. Wait...

Not only Ethan, but the whole team had a very good game against Bolton, especially during the second goal, when each of fans' three hopes shined in their own way. Young GK managed to beat his nerves, Calafiori provided massive physicality, Kiwior was calm and composed, Sterling T-rexed his way into the box, Rice showed that he is fully composed when presented a chance to score, Jesus showed barefoot street football skills, Havertz got another tap-in, Saka left the pitch only after an assist, Lewis-Skelly sliced passes through opponents defence, Jorginho commanded youngsters and youngsters had a good go. Good game, good result, hopeful future for players.

The only problem for Nwaneri is that he played all 90 minutes and he looked pretty exhausted by the end of the game. I would guess it means he doesn't start against Leicester. However, I think in any scenario he should get at least 30 minutes of first team play. Especially considering that next Tuesday we take on PSG and Arteta would definitely rely on the experienced players. And if that 30 minutes go well, he should start against Southampton. He's already very confident with the ball and he needs to get adjusted to the intensity and physicality of the Premier League.

I expect to see the same starting line-up as against City, bar any injuries. And if Raya's injury is real, I am totally confident in Neto's ability to take us through the next couple of games. I think the old fox Vardy will going to have one last dive in the box dance on Emirates, so our defence has to be a concentrated handling him.

Well, let's give him a proper retirement party on Saturday!