Following their 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, our first team players were back in the thick of things at the Sobha Realty Training Centre for a final practice before their trip to Lisbon.

In an effort to halt their unbeaten start to the league stage this season and tie our opponents on points at the end of matchday five, they will travel to the home of the defending Portuguese champions, Sporting CP, on Tuesday.

As Mikel Arteta’s strategy was communicated to his players, who are hoping to return to these shores with the three points they so much desire, that was the unwavering emphasis throughout today’s training.