Bouncing back from defeat is something Arsenal haven't had to do often this season. Bouncing back from two defeats in a row is completely unchartered territory.
But that's the task Mikel Arteta and his side must navigate if they are to open up a potential eight point lead at the top of the Premier League against Brentford on Saturday. Last weekend's defeat to Everton was a rare occasion where the Gunners found themselves well beaten, but Arteta is insistent that spirits have remained high at London Colney despite the setback.
"Really positive," he said of his team's response this week in his pre-match press conference. "Straight away we sat together, what happened and the opponent played their part. You have to congratulate the opponent on the day.
READ MORE: Every word Mikel Arteta said on Gabriel Jesus return, Emile Smith Rowe injury and Balogun future
"It’s true that there are things we didn’t do like in other games and that’s why you lose football matches. But it’s always an opportunity to bounce back and show how much we want what we’re fighting for and do it tomorrow."
Doing that will be crucial to ensure that this blip doesn't turn into something bigger for Arsenal. With that in mind it's crucial that Arteta gets his team selection right.
That starts at the back where Aaron Ramsdale is an easy pick in goal. The England keeper could do little about James Tarkowski's winner at Goodison Park, but he'll have his work cut out for him at set pieces where Brentford are particularly strong.
This could be where Gabriel and William Saliba get the chance to shine. The former came in for particular praise from Arteta ahead of the match, while the latter has a key role to play at dead ball scenarios.
Oleksandr Zinchenko won't be as crucial here, but when it comes to right back, Brentford's aerial prowess may give Arteta something of a decision to make. Ben White has been largely excellent this season, but across the past two matches he has struggled somewhat for form.
This could give Arteta leeway to maybe bring Takehiro Tomiyasu back into the side. The Japan international is superb in the air and not much of a step down from White. With Manchester City coming up in the league on Wednesday it may be a good chance to give White a bit of a rest too.
In midfield you would have to back Thomas Partey to complete the 90 minutes this time around after he was taken off minutes before Everton's goal last week. Jorginho did not exactly sparkle on debut despite doing nothing particularly wrong, so expect to see the Ghanaian anchoring the midfield behind Granit Xhaka and Martin Odegaard.
There has been some suggestion that this could be Leandro Trossard's chance to start a league game after slightly sub-par displays recently from Gabriel Martinelli. In reality though, it's probably a reflection of how good the Brazilian has been that we're criticising what have been pretty decent displays.
Trossard may have to do more himself to displace him in front three alongside Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka.
Arsenal predicted XI vs Brentford - Ramsdale; Tomiyasu, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Partey, Xhaka, Odegaard; Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli.
READ NEXT:
Martin Odegaard reveals how FIFA and Mikel Arteta convinced him of Arsenal transfer
Stan Kroenke could make millions as boss reveals transfer plan for Arsenal forgotten signing
Thomas Partey ready and Emile Smith Rowe woe as returning Arsenal star trains ahead of Brentford
Arsenal handed potential Premier League title boost as questions emerge over major Man City star
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
