Arsenal had two pre-match observations to take some motivation from: Patrice Evra's claim that they are a "training ground team" who will win "no trophy, nothing", and Sir Alex Ferguson's claim in last night's programme notes that they are not as "lilywhite" as they seem. It was easy to imagine when Evra made his comments on Canal+ last week that Ferguson would have been irritated at the unnecessary source of inspiration but as Arsène Wenger's side went about their work you sensed that it had provoked rather than primed them.

Arsene Wenger accepts Arsenal are embarking on a "decisive time" as they look to secure a place in the last 16 of the Champions League with victory against Partizan Belgrade tonight and stay one step ahead in the race for domestic glory.

Arsene Wenger accepts he cannot gamble with the fitness of Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas, but believes the Spain international is close to his best form.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger maintains common sense must prevail over Robin van Persie' club-versus-country row.

Lukasz Fabianski will stay focused on the job in hand as he looks to cement his place as Arsenal number one.

A "different world" is what the much-travelled Arsène Wenger calls it, this far east of London, and the manager of tonight's opponents Shakhtar Donetsk believes that this geography causes problems for his team with referees. The vastly experienced Mircea Lucescu, who was in charge of the Romanian national side almost 30 years ago, will have the home fires burning against Arsenal after stoking the coals last night by claiming: "Fouls committed by 'grandees' and sides from eastern Europe are interpreted differently."

Arsene Wenger admits even he has been taken aback by Jack Wilshere's development, with the England starlet set to return to the Arsenal side for tomorrow night's Champions League Group H clash at Shakhtar Donetsk.

Arsene Wenger has challenged stand-in goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski to make the most of his next chance as Arsenal number one after helping the Gunners beat 10-man Partizan Belgrade 3-1 in Serbia - an opportunity which could well come at Chelsea on Sunday.