With Liverpool disappearing into the Premier League sunset, Mikel Arteta would have come back from his international break with Real Madrid on his mind.
He wasn’t admitting to that, of course. It’s strictly one game at a time in Artetaland. But he would have prepared for this game against Fulham and Saturday’s trip to Everton hoping to see his team produce cohesive displays, ideally with victories, goals for his forwards and a gentle return to action for Bukayo Saka.
More than anything else though, the Arsenal boss would have been praying for no fresh injuries ahead of the Champions League quarter final against holders Real, which starts here on Tuesday.