Marco Silva, Fulham's coach, didn't waste any time getting into the groove.
"Stay switched on!" he bellowed from the touchline, stalking the technical area like a man trying to physically grab the nerves out of his players.
"No sleeping! Watch the runs! STAY ACTIVE!"
His voice sliced through the noise, sharp and commanding.
Several of his players looked his way, some nodding, others already bouncing on their heels, getting blood into their legs.
On the other side, Izan had his hands on his hips, already facing the Fulham centre-backs like a man waiting for the gates to drop.
And then, for a moment, the stadium held its breath.
One final silence before the storm.
And then, FWEEEEE, the match began!
Arsenal knocked it off first as the ball rolled gently back to Rice before moving left and right as if being tested for weight.
But the rhythm never had time to form.
