Confidence is growing at Arsenal and the gloomy clouds above the Emirates are dispersing ever so slowly.
Arsene Wenger will hope to build on a solid away outing at Stamford Bridge, in which they held the champions to a goalless draw.
A less inspiring performance, but a win nevertheless, came on Wednesday at the Emirates against Doncaster, sealing their place in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup.
A home tie against Norwich awaits there, but the Premier League rebuilding project resumes this weekend.
It's Monday night football at the Emirates under the lights with the Baggies in town, it should be a test of their nerve.
Should Manchester City and Manchester United win, Arsenal may have the equation of being nine points from top spot, not to mention being potentially six and four points behind rivals Chelsea and Tottenham.
We'll hear Wenger's thoughts on the game, Jack Wilshere's impact and much more besides in the next hour.
Wenger on Barry
Outstanding achievement, he’s intelligent, determined, strong in the challenge.
Good technically, I rated him highly.
He was unlucky being in the period of Gerrard and Lampard.
It’s an exceptional achievement.
We were interested in him, yes, when he moved from Villa to City, but at the time City were the big investor, their finance was superior to ours.
Wenger on WBA
They have a way to deal with everybody, a strong defensive basis.
They have a culture of the Premier League after being there for a long time.
A manager who knows how the league work, a strong transition from defence to offense, very solid defensively, it’s difficult to play against them.
Wenger on Sanchez again
Look, there’s no disguised attitude on my side.
I just try to get him back to full fitness.
The Europa League and League Cup is important, I try to give him competition and get him back to his best.
I gave him a long holiday. He came back not very fit, then he got injured. The injury plus the rest was a bit long.
I left him on the pitch for 90 minutes so he could have a real go.
All the players are, he’s not more than any other (in my plans).
Sanchez could have played (vs Chelsea) if he was 100 percent fit at the start.
In one game I go with three strikers, the three that don’t play will play midweek, no matter the competition.
Wenger on Gibbs
He made a good career here.
Arsenal are very proud of that.
What happened to Gibbs, he’s been bothered after being in front of players many times, but he had fitness worries.
Wenger on Welbeck
He has a groin injury, he will be back for Watford.
After the international game, he won’t be available for England.
Wenger on Mark Sampson
I don’t know anything about this story.
It’s difficult to make a statement, I don’t know Mark Sampson.
If you say it is a mess, I leave the mess to the FA.
Wenger on Evans
Once the window is over, focus on your players.
You accept that on the players from other clubs.
Wenger on fans
It is down to our performances, we want our fans not to have pre-conceived ideas.
We need a successful season, we need them to believe in us.
It depends on how focused we are in every game.
We can gain that through our performances.
Wenger on Lacazette
He’s getting there, he’s adapted to the team play.
He connects well, he works hard for the team.
Technically and tactically I’m pleased, he still needs to adapt to the physical aspect, which will take some time.
Wenger on whether his selection of Sanchez is a message
No, not at all, that’s going into quick conclusions.
Alexis Sanchez has been out and injured, I thought he was short on Sunday physically.
I played him last night to give him more competition.
Wenger on Wilshere future
It’s down to whether he can stay fit or not.
He’s an Arsenal man and an Arsenal player.
He would want to, but we haven’t spoken about that.
Wenger on Gibbs
It will be strange to see him in a different shirt, a player educated here from a young age.
I’m sure he will have great motivation.
It will give him push for his career.
Team news
Theo Walcott will be checked today, we don’t think it’s much.
That’s what we expect, I don’t think there will be any problem (re. Wilshere).
He (Ozil) is in training and he will come back with the team today or tomorrow.
Wenger: Chambers knock not serious
He had a kick behind his knee at half-time. In the second half he got another kick, I don’t think it’s big.
It looks just like a kick, not more than that.
Arsenal 'battling Borussia Dortmund for January transfer of Marseille sensation'
Arsenal want to sign Marseille full-back Christopher Rocchia, according to reports.
The Gunners are reportedly challenging Borussia Dortmund for the signing for the highly-rated 19-year-old.
Marseille are keen to tie down the young sensation to a longer deal with his current contract expiring at the end of the season, but talks have stalled, alerting some of Europe’s bigger teams.
According to talkSPORT , who cite reports in France, Rocchia would prefer a move to Arsenalover Dortmund, despite the Bundesliga side’s record in developing young footballers.
Arsene Wenger currently has Sead Kolasinac and Nacho Monreal as options in the left-back position.
Arsene Wenger reveals he invited Sir Alex Ferguson to the Emirates as Arsenal see off son Darren's Doncaster
Arsene Wenger rolled out the red carpet forSir Alex Ferguson- but ruined Fergie Jnr’s big night.Wenger and Ferguson used to be the biggest rivals in football but their bitter feud has thawed so much that the ex-Manchester United manager was given the best seats in the house to watch his son Darren’s team.
Arsenal boss Wenger even greeted his old managerial enemy before the game but the warm welcome did not extend to any niceties on the pitch as Theo Walcott’s first half winner knocked out Doncaster.
Wenger said: “I invited him tonight. Sport is very good in that you fight against each other and with respect. He was a big personality in the Premier League.“We started well but slowly lost our cohesion. Doncaster played very well and I was surprised by their quality and level.”