The joy of the return of regular Arsenal fixtures has already got me thinking ahead excitedly to the weekend’s game against Blackpool, and hopefully a first win of the new season. It should be expected that, six weeks after the Word Cup Final, Robin Van Persie and Cesc Fabregas will by then have had enough time to gain fitness and start as Dirk Kuyt did for Liverpool on Sunday, making Arsenal’s attacking line-up closer to full-strength than it has been for a long time.

The prospect of a start for Cesc has got me thinking back to two particular events last week. In different circumstances, each could easily have applied to Arsenal.

Case one:
“The club have made a formal offer that was rejected outright, but the harassment has continued. In light of the ethical positions that should govern the relationship between clubs, that is totally intolerable and we will defend our interests before Fifa."

This was not Peter Hill-Wood declaring war against the disgraceful techniques employed by Barcelona in their bid to prise Cesc from his contract with Arsenal, though on some levels I wish it had have been. Although Arsene Wenger claimed that it was pointless complaining about things that are beyond our control, it would have been enlightening to hear the take of the global football body on the behaviour of the Spanish champions, but they remained frustratingly quiet throughout the duration of the saga.

In fact, the words above came from Santos president Luis Alvaro Ribeiro retaliating against Chelsea’s pursuit of their 18 year-old star, Neymar. Much like the Catalans, Chelsea have persisted in their attempts to sign the player even after a rejected bid and a defiant message to stay away. Their hunt might end successfully, however, as despite initially claiming that he knew nothing of the rumours surrounding him, Neymar indicated yesterday that he will now discuss with his family the prospect of moving to England.

Case two:
“What this summer has made me realise is how important I am to the club and how important the club is to me. The chairman and the manager wanted me to stay 120% and that makes me feel proud. We all see the club and the future in the same way and that is special – something you don’t always find. I believe in this squad, something is happening here and I want to be a part of it."

Was this the resolute statement of Fabregas declaring his still-unshakeable bond with Arsenal? If only. No, unfortunately this was instead Mikel Arteta, reaffirming his commitment to Everton, and with commendable humility. Though he and Fabregas are almost ridiculously similar – both mercurial Spanish midfielders, resembling each other even in stature and appearance – Cesc’s own message for us had a slightly different tone to it. Of course, the situation of either player contrasted too. Arteta was merely linked with a move to such illustrious pastures, whilst our captain was presented with the genuine prospect of returning ‘home'.

Nonetheless, prior to the Liverpool opener, Wenger said in his press conference that Cesc’s attitude has been “spot on” since confirming that he will again be performing in red and white this season, which is a good thing. It will need to be that way for the entire campaign if we are to be successful, starting with Saturday, where one of his midfield partners will be absent.

As I started writing, the breaking news bar flashed up on Sky Sports News: “Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri ruled out for a month after minor knee surgery”. And let’s not kid ourselves, this is Arsenal. We can double that predicted length of absence straight away.