The weekend tournament (presumably the first of an annual event in the club’s calendar given the requirement to maximise revenue from the new stadium) saw Arsenal put in a couple of encouraging performances fielding mix and match teams – albeit against opposition with a similar approach to the games in terms of selection and commitment.

They were witnessed by a large number of fans who would not have been able to attend a first team match at Ashburton Grove, and this in itself makes such a tournament worthwhile, as the membership scheme means that only a limited number of supporters have access to tickets unless they are prepared to stump up an annual fee just to have the right to apply. There were a lot of kids at the stadium over the two days which can only be a positive thing.

Arsenal’s performance against Inter was an improvement on the one against PSG, although PSG are much nearer full fitness due to the earlier start date of the French league season. For all that, the number of cynical fouls perpetrated by the Italian club at least demonstrated that they cared enough about the result to stop certain Arsenal moves in their tracks.

Despite the below-strength nature of Wenger’s line-ups, the interplay and understanding was encouraging, confirming the belief that the team’s ability to create chances is not dependent of the same eleven being fielded week in week out. However, the sheer dominance over Inter in terms of the number of goal attempts pointed to the familiar problems witnessed all too often last season. Van Persie’s winner was a face-saver, but the game should have been secured long before that. Granted, Toldo was inspired, as was Robert Green when Arsenal were finally beaten at home in their new ground last season.

Yet, however good a game a keeper is having, with so many chances, enough have to go in to make the difference. Eduardo’s work permit is obviously a factor in this, and I understand he has been bought ‘subject to contract’ which means that if he cannot get the work permit at Thursday’s appeal, the move will fall through. Whether it is this that is causing the confusion over Nicolas Anelka’s possible move we cannot be sure. The only thing that seems certain is that even if Eduardo gets the nod, Wenger has enough in the kitty for a couple more players.

Pre-season is meaningless apart from fitness and development of understanding with the integration of new signings and bright prospects. And on that note, Bacary Sagna, Nicklas Bendtner and Kieran Gibbs all seem to have the look of quality, Sagna seemingly a likely starter at right back come the real thing. And that Arsenal did get the ball in the net enough times to win both games will be fine if they go through the season winning matches by the odd goal. But I think I’d feel a lot happier if Thursday’s appeal went in the club’s favour and even more delighted if we subsequently signed Nicolas Anelka regardless. These type of players can make the difference between comfortable wins and narrow ones. And to win silverware, you need some comfortable wins to give the team a breather from the exhausting tension of tight matches.