We beat MK Dons 3-0 last weekend in a behind-closed-doors match at Sobha Realty Centre, but the standard went up a level on Saturday night, as we played Girona in a sold-out Motilivi Stadium.

Two goals in each half gave us a comfortable win, and the boss was able to give minutes to 24 of his players who had taken part in a week-long training camp in Spain.

It was the perfect way to sign off the week after plenty of hard work in the Catalan sun.

“I’m very pleased,” Arteta said afterwards. “In many aspects, obviously, we have worked on a lot of things this week with a big group of players, with the senior players that we had, with the Brazilians that returned during the week, with a lot of our academy players as well. A lot of things that we wanted to test, especially during the game - they were delivered in a brilliant way and overall very happy.”

We ended the game with all ten outfield players having represented our youth team at one point, a point of pride for the boss. 

“I think they deserved it. The game and the context of the game allowed that to happen, they have been brilliant in the last few weeks with us. What an experience. 

 “We had to adapt to the conditions, to the pitch, to a lot of things, which is a good test for us as well, to increase our competitive level. But overall, very pleased.”

So next the team will head to the Republic of Ireland, to play more Spanish opposition in Dublin, where we face Real Betis on Wednesday. 

“Yes, and we're going to start to get a few more players as well,” the manager said, “and the players that joined, they look in good shape. Obviously, there are a lot of things to evolve and improve as a team, but I think we're in the right direction.”