Gunners' defence is the strongest weapon in their Arsenal

Arsenal's current circumstances dictate that their defence needs to be the reincarnation of the fabled five, who won titles under George Graham and Arsene Wenger.

- john Brewin

On Sept 15, and again four days later in Bergamo, Arsenal showed off what has become their strongest suit. No team in European football currently match their level of defensive organisation.

Even when conceding a penalty to Atalanta in the Champions League, goalkeeper David Raya, as the video assistant referee (VAR) deliberated, consulted with coaches. He subsequently saved Mateo Retegui's penalty, and next the rebound.

Arsenal will need more of the same on Sept 22 at the Etihad in a summit meeting with Manchester City that comes a little too early in the season to be decisive. That's not to say it can't be influential; a crushing win for City might wipe away any sense of a title race this season. An Arsenal win could grant the belief that this season, at last, is Mikel Arteta's time.