Our first-team squad was back in the thick of the action at the Sobha Realty Training Centre as they relished one final training session before heading to Lisbon, following their 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest.

On Tuesday, they will travel to the residence of the reigning Portuguese champions, Sporting CP, in an effort to terminate their undefeated start to the league stage of this season and to achieve parity with our opponents at the conclusion of matchday five.

That was the primary objective of Mikel Arteta’s training session today, as his players were informed of his strategy and aspired to return to the United States with the three points they so desperately desire.