International break number two is here, and The Arsenal are sitting pretty.

Having already faced 4 of the current Top 9, Mikel Arteta’s side are only one point off Arne Slot’s Liverpool – and with the Dutchman’s side travelling to the Emirates in the second game after the international break, it could be a real statement for Arsenal to make.

Nevertheless, now it’s time for the batteries to recharge – for the fans at the very least. Another set of fixtures where the players jet off to their national sides. A frustrating time for any football fan, but also a time to ponder.

So let’s ponder today by first talking about that second half performance from Kai Havertz. That was a leader’s display once we went a goal down. A ruthless finish, some gorgeous one touch football, and the way he scrapped to keep the ball in play in the closing minutes – top class. He now matches Robin van Persie in scoring for 7 consecutive home matches, and to be in that company means he’s doing something right.

It’s no secret that not everybody was convinced by Kai being brought to the club, which leads me into my main question for the day. Which Arsenal signing or player in general proved you wrong?

Did we sign a player you were vehemently against the idea of before they produced the goods? Maybe you weren’t convinced by a particular academy graduate that then blossomed into a good player? I’m intrigued to hear responses from your guys’ decades of watching the club.

Back to the weekend and someone who has been recalled by their national side: Gabriel Martinelli. After being left in London for last months internationals, Martinelli has regained some of that form that makes him such an exciting player to watch at his best. 2 goals and 2 assists in his last three Premier League matches is the type of Gabby we all love to watch. And outside of the end product, the game at the weekend also showed Gabby looking the most aggressive and direct in his play in a while. With a packed winter schedule and Martinelli’s statistically favourite club to face in Liverpool upcoming, let’s hope he see some vintage stuff from the Brazilian.

Finally, it was a weekend for ex-Gooners that are still held remembered fondly by fans. Aaron Ramsdale made his emotional return to Emirates Stadium with his new team, while Danny Welbeck put another layer on goodwill in the supporters of his former club as he sunk Mate FC after they Spursied a 2 goal lead on the South Coast.

So which former Gunner do you remember fondly? Not an easy option like Thierry Henry and co, but a player who wasn’t necessarily world class but always displayed a level of likeability and a good attitude to be in your good books?

Counting down the days to Bournemouth, now, hey…

Nick