Positives & negatives from the 5-3 win over Barcelona

Positive #4: Free-flowing Gunners

Another positive from the game was the joy I got as a spectator, especially in contrast to the United game. Against the Red Devils, the team was flat.

Indeed, one of the things I love most about the club is its identity. Part of being an Arsenal team is to play beautiful football, something that Arsène Wenger thought was very important. Wengerball was always a joy to watch and so are Mikel Arteta’s side.

Saka was splendid with the ball, there were beautiful finishes from Trossard and Vieira and the football was liquid at times. Trossard particularly put in an incredible performance and rightfully scored two goals.

Jesus looked back to pre-injury form, and his trickery in the box was the highlight of the game for me. There are just so many things to love about this team and the way it plays such positive football. Now is the time to be an Arsenal fan.

Positive #5: Beating Barcelona

This one isn’t so much a sign of things to come for this season as much as personal pleasure. Growing up, I have seen Barcelona sweep the Gunners aside many times over the years.

Robin van Persie’s sending off at Camp Nou was a particularly painful pill to swallow, so any victory against one of the greatest clubs in the world is always lovely. It’s important to take the time to savour this victory, even if it is in pre-season. With any luck, the Gunners will be able to deliver the same result against them in the Champions League.