The days leading up to the Aston Villa game passed in a blur of sweat, repetition, and unspoken competition.
Each session at Colney felt sharper than the last like something was building under the surface.
Sterling's first full day in the squad only raised the level further.
Tuesday opened with position-specific drills.
Izan joined Rice and Ødegaard in the midfield unit.
The three cycled through patterns of play with dummies and mannequins scattered across the pitch.
On one rep, Ødegaard played a disguised pass into space.
"Take that first time," he called.
Izan didn't hesitate.
He struck it clean, guiding the ball into the top corner past Ramsdale, who'd volunteered in goal for the drill as Raya was training with the team's Goalkeeping trainers.
Arteta's whistle cut through the moment.
"Again. Faster. It doesn't count unless it's game speed."
They reset. This time, Rice pressured tighter.
Izan dragged it past him with a deft touch and zipped a pass out wide.
