There have been some draining days in recent weeks for Arsenal, a team who are lacking consistency and struggling with injuries, but in this relatively gloomy period there is one player who has shone more brightly and regularly than the rest: Declan Rice.

By his usual high standards, it was a slow start to the season for Rice, perhaps understandably given his exhausting efforts for England at the European Championship. He has also been managing a niggling injury. But in the past few games he appears to have found his stride and built some momentum at last.

If Arsenal are to succeed in their pursuit of Champions League or Premier League glory this season, they will need Rice to be at his powerful best in midfield. There were more signs here, in victory over Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb, that he is returning to that inspirational, imposing form.

“There is another bite to his game,” said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. “His intent, his purpose, especially in attacking, how he is driving with the ball. The good thing with Dec is he is so reliable, he is always there. When you can create those sparks, those moments in the opposition box, obviously it’s a great thing.”

Rice’s first ever Champions League goal, followed by second-half efforts by Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard, ensured a straightforward victory for Arteta’s side that all but guaranteed their place in the top eight of the Champions League table (there is just a 0.04 per cent chance they could finish ninth, according to the statisticians at Opta).

It was a night that felt rather routine, but for Arsenal the race for a top-eight place carries extra significance. Arteta’s team are effectively playing for a “holiday”, perhaps in Dubai, next month.

How so? Well, teams who finish outside the top eight but inside the top 24 will face a play-off round, with the first legs taking place on the Feb 11 or 12. Those dates fall in the middle of a 10-day break in Arsenal’s schedule, with the club eyeing up a potential warm-weather training camp in that time.

Last season’s winter trip to Dubai proved to be transformative for Arsenal’s campaign and there is no doubt that they would like to jet away again this year. They could hardly have needed more motivation here, then, as Rice and his team-mates swept past their inferior opponents.

“If we earn the right to do that [go away as a team], that will be great,” said Arteta. “Because obviously it’s been a super busy schedule with a lot of demands, especially on the players. Obviously this is a massive step, what we have done tonight. It has put us in a really strong position.”

Meanwhile the latest goal for Havertz, converted like a true number nine in attack, comes at an important time. The cries for Arsenal to sign a new striker are louder than ever, with a nearby mural of owner Josh Kroenke now emblazoned with the words: “Time to splash some cash, Josh.”

There is no doubt that Arsenal want a new forward but that is not to say they want to replace Havertz in the starting line-up. The German has had some difficult days in recent weeks, missing chance after chance, but he now has two goals in his past two matches, and both were proper striker’s finishes.

Overall this season, he has 14 goals in 30 games. These are hardly the statistics of a forward who cannot find the net. “It shows the perspective against the reality sometimes,” said Arteta, in reference to the criticism of Havertz in recent weeks.

Many teams have tried to find ways to disrupt Arsenal’s set-piece prowess this season, often without success. A new method was deployed here by Zagreb, whose travelling supporters decided to take matters into their own hands whenever the away side conceded a set-piece: as Rice stood over a corner near the away section, he was pelted with plastic cups.

Such a brutish approach felt at odds with the suave sophistication of the man in the visiting dugout. The legendary Fabio Cannavaro, one of the all-time great Italian defenders, was managing his first competitive match for the club since his appointment in December.

Cannavaro, as one might expect, was a picture of cool on the side of the pitch. No nationality nails touchline attire quite as consistently as the Italians. Sadly for Cannavaro, 51, his team lacked the same stylishness on the pitch.

It took only two minutes for Rice to find the opener, with the England midfielder producing a lasered finish inside the near post. The chance had been created by fine work by Havertz, who did not so much pass the ball to Rice as serve it on a platter. It was Arsenal’s earliest goal in the Champions League for more than a decade.

“To get my first Champions League goal, I am so happy,” Rice said. “The manager is on us about midfielders arriving [in the box]. So many goals come from there.”

Arsenal had to be patient in their pursuit of a second, as Zagreb provided stiffer opposition than many would have expected, but it eventually arrived after 66 minutes. Gabriel Martinelli’s cross, Havertz’s header, and the game was over as a contest. Odegaard then added the third in the final moments, converting Leandro Trossard’s cross from close range.

10:21 PM GMT

How the top eight now stands

10:17 PM GMT

Mikel Arteta speaking after the game

10:06 PM GMT

Arsenal’s home defensive record in Europe

Since the start of last season, Arsenal have played nine home matches in the Champions League, keeping eight clean sheets. Bayern Munich are the only team to score against them, and one of their two goals was a penalty. So Arsenal have conceded one non-penalty goal across those nine games. Very impressive, even if the run has included some softer European fixtures.

09:59 PM GMT

Not a win to set the pulses racing for Arsenal fans

However, their Champions League results this season are not to be sniffed at. Only Barcelona and Liverpool have won more points. Bayern Munich, losing 3-0 to Feyenoord tonight and in 15th, and Manchester City would not mind trading places with them. City were 2-0 up at PSG tonight but lost 4-2. You can follow reaction to that game here.

09:54 PM GMT

Rice still annoyed that he missed the chance to score two

09:53 PM GMT

FT: Arsenal 3 Dinamo Zagreb 0

Arsenal lost their way a touch in the middle of the game, but overall that is a professional job well done. They are third in the table now, and while they are not mathematically assured of a top eight place, they will surely get there. A lot would have to go wrong for them to fail to do so with Girona away their final game. Martinelli and Rice were impressive, and Havertz finished with a goal and assist.

09:50 PM GMT

GOOOALL! Odegaard breaks his drought from open play

The Arsenal captain arrives late into the six-yard box for a tap-in from Trossard’s deflected cross. He batters the ball back into the net after scoring, which maybe reveals his frustration. His first non-penalty goal in 28 appearances would you believe. And finally, Butler-Oyedeji gets his chance to come on.

09:48 PM GMT

90 minutes: Arsenal 2 Dinamo Zagreb 0

Misic with another dangerous cross from the corner, which skimmed off an Arsenal head and away. Zagreb keep the pressure on by winning another corner, but Rice clears this one at the near post. There will be just three minutes of added time to play.

09:47 PM GMT

88 minutes: Arsenal 2 Dinamo Zagreb 0

Another cracking Rice corner, but Martinelli missed his header at the near post. Arteta is about to bring on youngster Nathan Butler-Oyedeji on for his home debut.

Dinamo Zagreb launch a dangerous break though, but Nwaneri sprints back to win a tackle in his own box at the expense of a corner

09:42 PM GMT

84 minutes: Arsenal 2 Dinamo Zagreb 0

Misic with another dangerous cross, but Kiwior did well to win a glancing header in Arsenal’s box.

At the other end, the crowd urge Odegaard to shoot from the edge of the box, but his effort is blocked.

09:39 PM GMT

81 minutes: Arsenal 2 Dinamo Zagreb 0

Dinamo Zagreb’s goalkeeper misses his punch from an Arsenal corner, but the away team survive. Arsenal threatening to add a third in the closing stages. They have been much better since Arteta’s changes. It just goes to show how fatigue can hamper individuals and the collective. And conversley, what a difference fresh legs make.

09:36 PM GMT

78 minutes: Arsenal 2 Dinamo Zagreb 0

Baturina’s shot deflects behind for a corner, so Arsenal have defending to do. This is the away side’s first corner of the game. Good delivery skips through everyone in the box, but Arsenal then clear their lines.

09:34 PM GMT

76 minutes: Arsenal 2 Dinamo Zagreb 0

Arsenal growing stronger after the subs. Rice with superb work to skip away from challenges in midfield, but Odegaard’s through ball was a little strong for Nwaneri. The youngster kept the ball in though, and moments later put a pin-point cross on the head of Rice who somehow headed wide from five yards out, completely unmarked. Rice is furious with himself.

09:32 PM GMT

74 minutes: Arsenal 2 Dinamo Zagreb 0

Another Arsenal double sub: Zinchenko and Havertz off, Trossard and Tierney on. Trossard is making his 100th Arsenal appearance. Will he play as a false nine or will Martinelli move through the middle?

09:30 PM GMT

72 minutes: Arsenal 2 Dinamo Zagreb 0

Arsenal now defending deeper in their 4-4-2, allowing Dinamo Zagreb to have the ball. With Zinchenko and Partey at full-back, that could be a risky strategy. Lovely teasing cross from Misic, but no blue shirt is there and Raya gathers.

09:27 PM GMT

69 minutes: Arsenal 2 Dinamo Zagreb 0

Arsenal just need to stay professional now, especially after blowing a two-goal lead. Martinelli tracks back well to defend deep in his own half. He and Rice have been Arsenal’s best players, with Havertz proving two telling moments in the box too.

09:24 PM GMT

GOOOALLLL! Havertz the scorer, but Martinelli the creator

Arsenal were not really going anywhere, but they should have the points in the bag now. They have threatened with inswinging crosses from the corners of the box all night, and that was a peach from Martinelli. Havertz with a simple task to plant home a header from close range.

A proper number nine’s goal by Kai Havertz. The sort of goal he is criticised for not scoring enough. That takes him to 14 goals for the campaign. For all the talk about his lack of clinical edge, that’s a good return.

09:23 PM GMT

65 minutes: Arsenal 1 Dinamo Zagreb 0

For any neutrals watching, this is not a great watch. The Emirates crowd is waiting for their team to string a move of quality together around the box. They need to up the intensity.

09:21 PM GMT

63 minutes: Arsenal 1 Dinamo Zagreb 0

Arsenal enjoying more territory in the last 10 minutes or so, and they have won a flurry of corners though. They are still to find that telling moment to put the game away though. Odegaard and Jorginho hassle well in midfield to keep Zagreb penned in.

09:19 PM GMT

61 minutes: Arsenal 1 Dinamo Zagreb 0

Better from Arsenal, Jorginho clipping a diagonal pass towards Havertz and he tried to set the ball back for Odegaard. Flicks behind off a defender from a corner. The goalkeeper does well to partially punch clear.

09:16 PM GMT

58 minutes: Arsenal 1 Dinamo Zagreb 0

Good work from Rice swing a cross in but Odegaard could not get there behind Havertz. Arteta has decided to change the right side of his team: Sterling and Timber off, Partey and Nwaneri on. Timber has looked flat for most of the game.

Zagreb also making a pair of changes: Misic and Kacavenda the players coming on.

09:14 PM GMT

56 minutes: Arsenal 1 Dinamo Zagreb 0

Odegaard tries to pull his team-mates forward to press, but they are struggling to get there. Dinamo Zagreb deliver a threatening cross but Zinchenko heads away. Arteta is about to make a double sub to try and inject energy into his team.

09:11 PM GMT

53 minutes: Arsenal 1 Dinamo Zagreb 0

The visiting team are seeing a fair amount of the ball now, but they keep losing momentum and direction when they get near Arsenal’s box. A cross bounces off Timber and away after another fine piece of football. Arsenal are in need to a second goal. They can coast then, but not now.

09:09 PM GMT

51 minutes: Arsenal 1 Dinamo Zagreb 0

A number of Arsenal players look leggy, but Rice looks like is playing with a motorbike under him. Just has a different set of gears to every player on the pitch. Timber is then booked after over-running the ball and catching Ademi on the ankle with his studs. Timber is one of those players who looks tired.

09:07 PM GMT

48 minutes: Arsenal 1 Dinamo Zagreb 0

The game is now back under way after Bernauer receives treatment. Arsenal danger, Rice leading the charge again and spreading play to Sterling. He teed up Rice for the shot, deflected, and the flag went up for offside against Havertz, even though his shot was cleared off the line.

09:04 PM GMT

We are back under way

Arsenal get the second half started. Dinamo Zagreb have a free-kick deep in their half after Sterling catches Bernauer.

08:58 PM GMT

Rice in illustrious company

08:49 PM GMT

HT: Arsenal 1 Dinamo Zagreb 0

Half the job done for Arsenal, but given they scored inside two minutes I think they will be a little disappointed not to extend the advantage to two or three before half-time. Dinamo Zagreb grew more comfortable defensively as the half progressed, and Arsenal were guilty of some complacency on the ball at the back, even if Raya remains untested. If Arsenal put their foot on the pedal, they should pull away but the game is not over.

08:47 PM GMT

45 minutes: Arsenal 1 Dinamo Zagreb 0

Oleksandr Zinchenko has just produced the most outrageous piece of control, running towards his own goal at full sprint, under pressure and with the ball dropping over his shoulder. He might not offer the same physicality as others but his technical ability is off the charts.

08:45 PM GMT

45 minutes: Arsenal 1 Dinamo Zagreb 0

Sterling keeps pushing the ball past defenders, and in years gone by his speed may have got him there, but not now. Lovely skill and strength from Baturina in midfield, leaving Kiwior on the ground. There will be just two minutes of added time.

08:43 PM GMT

43 minutes: Arsenal 1 Dinamo Zagreb 0

Better form Arsenal. Odegaard trying to find a yard to shoot at the edge of the box, but it ran for Martinelli. The winger could shoot straight at the goalkeeper Nevistic. Rice then sets Arsenal away on the break after a clever interception, and the home team have a corner.

08:42 PM GMT

40 minutes: Arsenal 1 Dinamo Zagreb 0

Sterling wants a corner but the ball came off him last and Dinamo Zagreb have a goal kick. Arsenal press well to squeeze the away team and win the ball back, starting another long spell of possession. But Dinamo Zagreb look more solid in their shape now, Arsenal struggling to penetrate like early in the game.

08:38 PM GMT

37 minutes: Arsenal 1 Dinamo Zagreb 0

Martinelli almost picks out Odegaard in space with a sweeping pass into the box. This looked like being a cricket score in the first 10 minutes, but Zagreb have steadied themselves are making this game more bitty now. Ademi is booked for dragging down Odegaard in midfield.

08:35 PM GMT

35 minutes: Arsenal 1 Dinamo Zagreb 0

Those errors may have slapped Arsenal around the face because Martinelli responded with a stirring run forward.

Zagreb are getting some joy pressing Arsenal’s defenders. Timber tried a turn against Baturina and had the ball pinched off him, but Kiwior swept up.

08:34 PM GMT

32 minutes: Arsenal 1 Dinamo Zagreb 0

Clever throw-in from Arsenal to find Havertz, who almost flicked the ball into the path of Martinelli for a volley.

Arsenal then play themselves into trouble. Gabriel’s flick to Kiwior was not the best, but he took too many touches and was robbed of the ball. Rice recovered to make an excellent block. The Jorginho’s backpass to Raya was short, put Zagreb could not punish that sloppiness.

08:30 PM GMT

30 minutes: Arsenal 1 Dinamo Zagreb 0

Odegaard wins a foul in midfield, and Arsenal take the free-kick quickly to Sterling. A more direct burst into the box but he clashed with Ademi who goes down with a head injury and play is stopped. When play restarts, Arsenal have the ball back.

08:28 PM GMT

28 minutes: Arsenal 1 Dinamo Zagreb 0

Jorginho with a lovely dinked pass over the defence for Havertz, who may have strayed offside, but he could not shift and shoot after a good first touch. Timber is then penalised for a foul throw.

08:26 PM GMT

26 minutes: Arsenal 1 Dinamo Zagreb 0

Arsenal have a corner after a menacing burst forward from Martinelli. The home team are in complete control but they will want the second goal. Plastic cups are raining down on Declan Rice before he takes. Zagreb defend and have a goal kick.

08:25 PM GMT

23 minutes: Arsenal 1 Dinamo Zagreb 0

Better from Dinamo Zagreb, moving the ball well through the pitch and taking advantage of some Arsenal looseness in Zinchenko’s zone. The attack breaks down, and Arsenal show great composure to pass their way out of their own box.

Another clever knockdown from Havertz in the box, but Torrente defended well before Sterling could shoot. Then Rice and Havertz threaten with glancing headers.

An interesting bit of rotation between Sterling and Havertz, there. Havertz moved out to the right wing for a few minutes, and Sterling almost scored from the centre-forward position. Arsenal have been doing more of that since Saka’s injury and I wonder if it’s something Arteta wants to see more frequently as they try to cope without their best winger.

08:21 PM GMT

20 minutes: Arsenal 1 Dinamo Zagreb 0

Arsenal probing again, but a foul is given against Havertz for a push. Torrente did go down holding his face suggesting an elbow, but nothing doing. Sterling then runs the ball out of play with a loose touch. Zagreb are looking to be very direct when they do go forward, but it has been meat and drink for the Arsenal defenders. Ademi shoots over wildly from 30 yards.

08:19 PM GMT

18 minutes: Arsenal 1 Dinamo Zagreb 0

Zinchenko cuts out a diagonal switch and heads out for a throw. The game has settled down a touch after that very uncomfortable start for Zagreb. Arteta will want Arsenal to finish this off as quickly as possible with another important league game at Wolves this Saturday.

A worry here though for Arsenal: Gabriel is down holding his knee. I think it was an impact injury, he was caught with studs, but his right knee did twist. Arsenal cannot afford to lose their centre-back. He is back on his feet, though moving gingerly.

It looks more of an abrasion than a ligament problem. Arsenal will be relieved.

08:15 PM GMT

14 minutes: Arsenal 1 Dinamo Zagreb 0

Arsenal have another corner after some bright work by Sterling. Excellent deliver from Odegaard and Gabriel found himself with a yard of space, but he headed wide of the far post. A very good chance by his standards.

08:12 PM GMT

12 minutes: Arsenal 1 Dinamo Zagreb 0

Arsenal have barely misplaced a pass so far in the game, the likes of Zinchenko, Jorginho and Odegaard are very economical.

Zagreb then produce their first semi-threatening counter. They worked the ball to Gabriel wide left, but his shot was blocked by Timber. That break will just keep Arsenal honest.

08:10 PM GMT

9 minutes: Arsenal 1 Dinamo Zagreb 0

Odegaard with a cute through ball into the box for Rice, and it takes a very good defensive block to deny the Arsenal midfielder a second goal. Odegaard takes the corner, aimed at Gabriel, and it is headed behind for another. Arsenal keep the pressure on, and there are appeals for a handball penalty after the ball bounces up off Mmaee onto his arm after a Havertz flick. Never a penalty, but you never know with Uefa and the handball law.

08:07 PM GMT

7 minutes: Arsenal 1 Dinamo Zagreb 0

Rice’s corner delivery was typically accurate, but strangely all the Arsenal players held back and it skipped through the box. Kiwior heads back to Raya after Gabriel sees off a long ball forward. Arsenal continue to see all of the ball.

08:05 PM GMT

5 minutes: Arsenal 1 Dinamo Zagreb 0

This is all too easy for Arsenal, they have Dinamo Zagreb pushed back so far they may as well be on Holloway Road. Martinelli finds Zinchenko on the overlap, and his shot is blocked behind for a corner. Rice is going over to take. The visiting team need to be aware or this could get messy.

08:03 PM GMT

GOOOAAALLL! Declan Rice fires Arsenal into early lead

Rice has been threatening that for a few weeks, he has been picking up threatening positions and this is a very well-worked goal. Martinelli got down the outside, and his cross was deftly cushioned by Havertz into Rice’s path and he drilled home on the volley. The ideal start for Arsenal.

Lovely finish by Rice. That’s his third of the campaign, which is perhaps fewer than many would have expected given his more advanced midfield position for much of the season. It’s a really delicate, measured assist by Havertz.

08:02 PM GMT

2 minutes: Arsenal 0 Dinamo Zagreb 0

Arsenal move straight into a sustained period of possession after a nice turn from Timber in his own half. Zinchenko, as expected, is moving inside next to Jorginho. Sterling is playing on the right, with Martinelli left. Arsenal moving the ball sharply in the first few minutes.

08:00 PM GMT

KICK OFF!

Dinamo Zagreb, playing in all blue, get the game started.

07:58 PM GMT

RB Leipzig coach rules out Benjamin Sesko sale

RB Leipzig head coach Marco Rose has said that star striker Benjamin Sesko will not be allowed to leave the club this month.

Sesko is known to be a long-term target for Arsenal, who attempted to sign the Slovenia international in the summer and are searching for a forward in this transfer window.

Asked by Sky Sport in Germany whether it is still the case that Sesko is “definitely not allowed to leave the club in the winter”, Rose said: “Yes, that is still the case.”

Rose was speaking before Leipzig’s Champions League match against Sporting on Wednesday night, in which Sesko scored after 19 minutes.

07:57 PM GMT

The players are in the tunnel

This might not feel like an occasion laced with jeopardy for Arsenal fans, but it is actually important that they do a professional job and secure the win. Given their injuries and the hectic schedule, they do not want two extra Champions League games in February.

07:49 PM GMT

Every seat filled in the away end

Despite Cannavaro’s intentions, Dinamo Zagreb will not see much of the ball tonight. Karen Carney has just said on TNT that they only had 30 per cent possession against Celtic, so I would expect that figure to be even lower for long spells this evening.

07:39 PM GMT

A chance for some of Arsenal’s fringe players to impress

Arsenal have no shortage of passers in central areas tonight with Zinchenko and Jorginho joining Odgegaard in the middle of the pitch. When Zinchenko inverts, I would expect to see Timber, Kiwior and Gabriel resemble a back three.

If Timer is more reserved that could isolate Raheem Sterling, assuming he plays on the right.

The best use of Sterling for Arsenal might be getting a passable 60 minutes out of him from the start of games, keeping one of their better forwards fresh. When they look to Sterling to be a saviour from the bench, few Arsenal fans are filled with hope.

07:18 PM GMT

The last time these two clubs played in the Champions League

Alexis Sanchez scored twice in a 3-0 Arsenal win, with Mesut Ozil scoring the other. The result gave Arsenal of a chance of qualifying for the knockout stages with a win by two goals or more against Olympiacos, a feat they achieved with an Olivier Giroud hat-trick on matchday six. Then, you guessed it, they were knocked out in the last-16 by Barcelona.

07:10 PM GMT

Arteta confirms Lewis-Skelly has a physical issue

07:03 PM GMT

Arsenal fans sending their owners a January message

On the subject of transfers, Benjamin Sesko has scored for RB Leipzig against Sporting this evening.

06:59 PM GMT

Arteta freshens things up tonight

Arsenal fans will be curious to note Arteta picking Jakub Kiwior at right centre-back, which means no Thomas Partey at right-back because Jurrien Timber can stay there. Some believe the Arsenal manager should have done this against Aston Villa, though in truth all these compromise selections come with downsides. On paper at least, this is also a less testing fixture against a less potent forward line.

Jorginho, Rice and Odegaard is a familiar and balanced midfield. Raheem Sterling was Arteta’s only option to make a change in the forward line, and he comes in for Trossard. The Belgian was excellent against Villa, but this is about managing minutes rather than form.

06:55 PM GMT

Dinamo Zagreb’s team and subs: Baturina the player to watch

Dinamo Zagreb: Nevistic, Ristovski, Mmaee, Bernauer, Torrente, Pierre Gabriel, Rog, Ademi, Stojkovic, Kulenovic, Baturina

Subs: Zagorac, Filipovic, Kacavenda, Hoxha, Cordoba, Pjaca, Mbuku, Misic, Bakovic, Cutuk, Pavic, Spikic

06:47 PM GMT

Arsenal team and subs: Four changes from draw with Villa

Starting XI: Raya, Timber, Gabriel, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Jorginho, Rice, Odegaard, Sterling, Martinelli, Havertz

Subs: Neto, Setford, Tierney, Calafiori, Kacurri, Partey, Merino, Nwaneri, Trossard, Butler-Oyedeji, Kabia

06:38 PM GMT

A familiar face returns

Former Dinamo Zagreb and Arsenal striker Eduardo was back at London Colney this week. Arsenal played the Croatians in a Champions League qualifier in 2006 and Arsène Wenger took enough of a liking to Eduardo to sign him the following summer. Luka Modric was in the same Dinamo Zagreb team, another player who attracted Arsenal’s interest. How history could have been different had they succeeded in adding Modric to a midfield featuring Cesc Fabregas. As we know, Modric joined Tottenham instead, along with Vedran Corluka.

Eduardo was just starting to thrive in his debut season at Arsenal when he suffered a horrible leg break caused by a Martin Taylor tackle at Birmingham City. He returned to face Arsenal with Shakhtar Donetsk in 2010, scoring a consolation goal at the Emirates. With Arsenal 5-0 up at the time, the home fans cheered the concession.

He was the type of cold-blooded finisher this current Arsenal side could use.

06:29 PM GMT

Where Arsenal stand

06:28 PM GMT

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06:27 PM GMT

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06:27 PM GMT

Arsenal strong favourites to secure top eight spot

Arsenal play their fifth home game in 15 days this evening knowing a win over Dinamo Zagreb can put them within touching distance of a place in the Champions League last 16.

It has been a stop-start season domestically for Arsenal, and ultimately an underwhelming one with Liverpool six points clear at the top of the Premier League with a game in hand. They are out of the FA Cup after losing to Manchester United on penalties and long odds in the Carabao Cup semi-final after losing the first leg 2-0 at home to Newcastle.

Mikel Arteta is short of attacking options and legs are heavy, but their team performances remain strong. They were utterly dominant for long spells against Tottenham and Aston Villa last week, but took only four points.

Arsenal have been consistent and assured in the new-look Champions League though, and can go third in the table behind only Liverpool and Barcelona. It would also put them on 16 points which is expected to be enough for a top eight finish, though they might need a point away at Girona next week to confirm their place.

The physical match-up between Arsenal and Dinamo Zagreb promises to be interesting, because it is a month since the Croatians played a competitive match. Will that leave them undercooked or will their fresher legs give them a fighting chance?

Arteta said Arsenal have watched some of their friendlies under new manager Fabio Cannavaro, who despite being the last defender to win the Ballon d’Or is thought to favour an adventurous style of play. With a young team, that bold strategy could backfire at the Emirates, where Arsenal have 3-0, 4-0 and 6-0 Champions League wins since the start of last season. Attacking midfielder Martin Baturina, 21, is the pick of Dinamo Zagreb’s emerging talent.

Arteta was an Arsenal player the last time the clubs played, in the 2015-16 Champions League group stage. Olivier Giroud was sent off in a defeat in Zagreb, but Arsenal did the business at home. Arsenal can call upon Ethan Nwaneri and Riccardo Calafiori again after injury, but the game comes too soon for Ben White and William Saliba.

Full team news on the way shortly.