Arteta regularly eulogises over Anfield and St James’ Park, the ‘jungles’ and ‘washing machine’-like atmospheres he revels in. He has spoken of wanting to write the first chapters of defining nights at the Emirates, but the fever that had been building the past two years has faded this season and Tuesday saw some fans leave early.

As Newcastle United arrived at the Emirates on Tuesday, all eyes were on one man - and one man only. As Alexander Isak stepped off the team bus he was greeted by claps from Arsenal fans stood outside the players' entrance, as one cheeky home supporter shouted 'welcome home'.