Arsenal had a mixed few days on the pitch last week, with a win over Monaco followed up by a frustrating draw against Everton.
There has been plenty of action elsewhere, though, with both the academy and women’s teams in action.
And here Standard Sport takes a look at some moments from around Arsenal you may have missed over the past seven days…
Iwobi advice for fellow Hale End graduates
Alex Iwobi may be making a name for himself at Fulham, but it was at Arsenal he made his first steps and the Nigerian still keeps a close eye on the club.
Iwobi, like many others, has noted how teenagers Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly have emerged from the academy to break into the first-team squad.
It is a path that Iwobi has trodden himself and it is why he passed on some advice when he bumped into the mother of Lewis-Skelly, Marcia Lewis, earlier this season.
“I met his mum three months ago in Dagenham and she was like: ‘I want my son to do well’ and I just gave some advice,” said Iwobi.
“I just said to his mum, be patient because his time will come. Make sure he’s ready because if he’s constantly training with the first team like how I was, that will make him a better player.
“A lot of players like to go on loan and play men’s football early which I understand. But when you’re training with some of the best players in the world at Arsenal, you naturally get ready by seeing how they work every day. For the youngsters there, that’s the best education to grow as a player.”
Away fans defy freezing conditions
Arsenal have earned plenty of praise for the support their women’s team gets and they have made Emirates Stadium their main home this season.
The club, however, have also worked hard to develop a strong away following and no more was that evident than last week.
Despite the sub-zero temperatures, Arsenal Women had over 1,000 fans cheering them on in Norway for their match with Valerenga in the Champions League. Those who made the trip were rewarded by seeing the Gunners run out 3-1 winners.
“I think we are outstanding as a club,” said interim head coach Renee Slegers. “If I look around, we have the best fans, they’re always travelling in big numbers.”
Nelson injury blow
Reiss Nelson had just been beginning to hit his stride at Fulham before he was cut down by a hamstring injury earlier this month.
The winger picked up the issue during a game against Brighton on December 5 and Marco Silva confirmed last week that Nelson will be out for around 10 weeks.
The injury comes at a frustrating time for the 25-year-old as he had just broken into the Fulham side, starting the last five games before his injury.
Nelson is enjoying life under Marco Silva and weeks before his injury had revealed his big plans for the season.
“I want to get double figures for goals and assists combined,” he said. “Marco is a great coach and likes to play a lot of attacking football. I feel like it’s bringing out all the good things that I need to do on the pitch. It’s helped me so much, and it’s good for my development.”
Youngsters bow out on a high
It has been a frustrating campaign for Arsenal in the UEFA Youth League this season, but they rounded it off in a positive manner last week.
The Gunners’ Under-19 side were 2-0 winners over Monaco, thanks to goals from Oulad M’Hand and Louie Copley.
Just two wins from six games means Arsenal finished 26th and out of the top 22, which would have secured a spot in the knockout stages.
“I feel a bit mixed because I wish we could’ve shown that type of performance more consistently so that we could’ve have more brilliant opportunities for development games for the players,” said Under-19s coach Max Porter.
Odegaard gets words of wisdom
After becoming a father earlier this month, Martin Odegaard has been given plenty of words of wisdom from his teammates and staff at Arsenal.
“We have quite a few parents among the team and in the staff as well so I’ve been getting a lot of good tips and advice,” he said. “There is a lot to learn!
“So it’s really nice to have those people around you who have been through it all. It’s obviously a big change to your life overnight, but it’s all good vibes.”
