Arsenal news: Stan Kroenke's blueprint as new role posed for Emile Smith Rowe

Arsenal had the benefit of a welcome Premier League weekend off due to Chelsea's Club World Cup commitments.

It may have come at a good time for the team and manager Mikel Arteta, as they were involved in a gruelling showdown with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Thursday, eventually winning 1-0 thanks to a goal from Gabriel.

On Saturday, they watched top-four rivals Manchester United drop points, while a day later West Ham United only drew at Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur slipped to a 2-0 loss at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

It means there is a lot of pressure on next weekend's home clash with Brentford and Arteta will be desperate to make the most of the time on the training pitch in the coming days.

With their team not in action this weekend, some Arsenal supporters may have opted to stay up late for the Super Bowl on Sunday night.

The Cincinnati Bengals were taking on the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL's showpiece attraction, with the latter outfit owned by Stan Kroenke.

It is the second time in three years the Rams have made it to the sport's biggest game. Expectations were high for the team this season too, as they made high-profile acquisitions in Matthew Stafford, Jalen Ramsey, Von Miller and Odell Beckham Jr. in an attempt to make it to the Super Bowl.

Arsenal supporters will be hoping a similar blueprint can be put in place at the Emirates Stadium by Kroenke to take the team back to the summit of English and European football.

With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sold and no replacement acquired in January, Arsenal's biggest concern between now and the end of the season will be the depth up front.

Alexandre Lacazette has done a decent job leading the line in recent weeks, but is not a prolific goalscorer any more.