Takehiro Tomiyasu missing as Arsenal train at the Emirates: Five things spotted ahead of Watford clash

Arsenal are benefitting from being knocked out of the FA Cup early, and are using their free midweek to prepare for this weekend’s Premier League clash against Watford.

The Gunners produced one of their best performances in recent times, coming from behind to beat Wolves at the Emirates last week.

The Midlands club had come into the game with their own top four ambitions and on good form, but Mikel Arteta’s men showed mettle and great desire to win the game with virtually the last kick.

There is growing feeling that Arteta is building something special at the Emirates, and the Spanish manager will hope that everyone in his team is pulling in the same direction after overcoming a disastrous start to the season.

The north London club had lost their first three Premier League games, and were sitting bottom of the league table with many calling for the head of the manager.

In a remarkable turn around, Arsenal are currently sixth on the league table with 45 points, same as fifth placed West Ham but having played three games less than the Hammers and Manchester United who are currently occupying fourth place.

So with everything pointing to a grand end to the seaso- here is what we spotted while Arteta swapped London Colney for the Emirates on Tuesday afternoon.

Injured Takehiro Tomiyasu missing

The Japanese utility player can not just catch a break at the moment, after a brilliant start to life at the Emirates.

He has missed the team’s last six games and was due to return, before picking up another calf injury that has threatened to disrupt his season.

Arteta revealed he was being looked at, but there was no set date for his return and his absence was noticed as the team returned to training on Tuesday morning.

Wet Emirates

The temperatures have dropped and the rain in London meant the lucky few who were able to catch the team train were soaked in rain.

London enjoyed a relatively sunny weekend but looks like the next few days have returned to default settings with players dressed for the weather.

Gabriel, Alexandre Lacazette and Lokonga were all dressed with hats and gloves to try and stay warm throughout the session.

Spirits lifted

When a team is in this kind of form, spirits are high and and it shows with players sharp and eager at training.

There were smiles all round as the players turned up at the Emirates and got on with their work.

The team was divided into different groups in a competitive training game, with everyone smiling at the end.

This is an example of the growing bond and team spirit that Mikel Arteta has been drumming home to the players.

The Gunners have not lost a league game in their last six, which is a great turn around from the form they were on at the beginning of the season.

Emile Smith Rowe back in training

Another bright spot during Tuesday’s training session was the sight of Arsenal’s top scorer this season.

Emile Smith Rowe, the young English midfielder, had a brilliant game against Brentford and capped it off with a goal that eventually helped the Gunners to a 2-1 win.

His performances were universally hailed, but he missed the Wolves due to an illness.

However the Hale End graduate was back in training with his colleagues after recovering.

Despite having scored goals this season, Smith Rowe hasn’t started as many games as he would have liked, but his return against Watford should delight his manager ahead of the business end of the season.

Gabriel and Ramsdale bromance growing

One of the great stories from Arsenal’s season has been the form of Aaron Ramsdale, who was signed as a backup, but has ended up seizing the number one spot.

Leno has been a brilliant servant for the club, and the decision to keep Ramsdale as number one might be harsh on him,

However the English youngster has earned his coin and has been inspirational between the sticks.

The key to his form has been his relationship with central defender Gabriel, who is also improving day by day.

Both were seen in images smiling and hugging each other despite the weather on Tuesday’s training session.