Arsenal return to Champions League action on Wednesday with a chance to steady the mood and make a statement after the late collapse at Aston Villa.
Mikel Arteta’s side have already secured progression to the knockout phase, but they still need points to avoid slipping into the play-off positions, and there is no room for relaxation despite their strong league-phase record.
The loss at Villa Park arrived in the final seconds and ended a long unbeaten run, prompting questions about fatigue and focus after a demanding schedule.
Arteta is expected to rotate in Bruges to protect key players who have carried heavy minutes, but the depth of the squad means Arsenal should still possess enough quality to control the game.
The challenge is to show that Saturday’s disappointment was a temporary lapse rather than a sign of declining standards.
Arsenal have won all five Champions League matches so far and sit at the top of the 36-team league-phase table, but the incentive to finish inside the top eight remains strong as it guarantees a direct route into the round of 16.
The win over Bayern Munich on matchday five underlined their confidence at this level and reinforced the impression that European nights suit the aggressive tempo Arteta demands.
Club Brugge present a very different task, but their situation makes the fixture dangerous.
The Belgian side are fighting to stay in contention for the knockout play-offs after taking only one point from their last four league-phase matches.
They were beaten 3-0 by Sporting on matchday five, a defeat that contributed to Nicky Hayen’s dismissal and placed Ivan Leko in charge for his first match.
Brugge’s domestic form has also faltered, with defeats to Royal Antwerp and St Truiden dragging them off the pace in the title race, and the pressure to produce a reaction is intense.
They remain unbeaten in their last four Champions League matches at the Jan Breydel Stadium, and their supporters view Arsenal’s visit as an opportunity to restore belief.
Arsenal’s task is to impose control early and avoid giving the hosts encouragement in a stadium known for its atmosphere and hostility.
A professional display would not only confirm their status among the competition’s frontrunners but also help draw a line under the frustration of the weekend.
Arteta’s side have handled setbacks well over the past two seasons, and Wednesday offers another test of their resilience at a moment when they need a convincing response.