After the disbelief of the horrific injury suffered by Aaron Ramsey, there is even more defiance and determination within the Arsenal camp. A siege mentality and a collective aim of winning the Premier League for the young Welshman is now obvious. As Ramsey recovers from the broken leg, sustained in last week's Premier League win over Stoke City, Arsenal take on Burnley at the Emirates Stadium, seeking the victory that will put them level on points with their London rivals Chelsea.
Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager, is convinced his side have the mentality to deal with the situation better than two years ago when a similar injury to Eduardo, their Brazilian striker, saw them falter in the latter part of the season. The Frenchman said: "The team are much more united and their resolve is stronger. "I find it remarkable that the players have dealt fantastically with these situations and always responded very well.
"They kept bouncing back, fighting and sticking together and that's why we are where we are." Wenger is also confident Ramsey "will come back to the level we have seen and I'm even more confident he will get better". But while he has lost one of his brightest talents, he will be hoping another can stay fit and flourish for the rest of the season. Injury problems have meant Theo Walcott has started only seven games all season.
To be without the England player for so long has frustrated Wenger. The feeling is been shared by Walcott, too. With the World Cup on the horizon and debate as to whether he deserves a place in Fabio Capello's England squad, this is a crucial period for him. "It's all about the present," said Walcott. "Hopefully I can play consistently for Arsenal, stay fit - that's the most important thing - and have a good end of the season."
With Arsenal in this mood, it seems very unlikely to see relegation-threatened Burnley adding to their only point away from home this season. Arsenal v Burnley, KO 7pm, Showsports 1 & 2