THE timing couldn’t have been more compelling. Amid intensified geopolitical tensions between two countries, Arsenal, established in 1886 as a side for workers in the Woolwich munitions factory, did battle with CSKA Moscow, team of the Soviet Red Army, with the Gunners coming out of this Europa League quarter-final first leg 4-1 winners.

Undoubtedly, the clash had far greater implications for Arsenal than for any politicians in Westminster. With a return to the Champions League at stake, it was billed as their biggest game in years.

The pressure of that billing showed in their performance — clear intentions to make the home leg count but defensive vulnerability allowing CSKA plenty of chances going forward, with all the game’s goals coming in the first 45 minutes.