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We gently slide past the appointed time but eventually the doors open and, after some cursory security checks (thank god Bin Laden is a Gooner) we filter in past the ‘O2 lovelies'. As always, the sight of a deep green, immaculately manicured and sun-drenched Highbury pitch brings gasps of admiration, even from the most hardened of fans.
The East Stand is already swarming with people as we filter down towards the front of the upper West Stand. Looking across and squinting against the sun, I can see that Henry has arrived. He's slowly walking towards the tunnel with rapturous applause ringing in his ears. One by one the other stars appear: Pires stops for 15 minutes, to chat and sign autographs; Fabregas makes a quiet, unassuming entrance but gets a fantastic reception; and, perhaps most significantly of all, van Persie receives a standing ovation. If he's been at all worried about stepping out in front of the Highbury faithful, this should go some way towards settling his nerves.
At 10.30 the players re-emerge en masse, before splitting into two groups. Fabregas, van Persie and the rest of the younger players disappear, presumably for some gym work, leaving the senior squad to do the business out on the pitch. Sol Campbell looks rather forlorn, as he pares off and begins training in isolation with fitness coach Tony Colbert. Lehmann lopes away to join Almunia and Mark Howard for specialised goalkeeper coaching, while the remaining outfield players break into groups of four and start some one touch ‘piggy-in-the-middle' passing practice.
Wenger himself is a picture of concentration, even if the players aren't taking it too seriously. Walking around from group to group, hands behind his back, Le Boss doesn't let up for one moment – except to acknowledge the crowd, who clap and shout his name whenever he nears the touchline. When five-a-side matches begin he sticks rigidly to the rules, awarding free kicks for minor infringements and pulling back play for every off-side.
But he's equally careful not to smother the entertainment, and we're soon rewarded with some energetic play. Interestingly, Flamini and Hleb put more into it than most, and both look impressive. Despite his spindly legs, Hleb is tenacious in the tackle and uses both feet with considerable aplomb; it's early days, but he already looks like another Wenger discovery.
One set of goal posts disappears and it's defence against attack. Cygan does nothing to enhance his reputation, trailing a leg and bringing down Reyes as the young Spaniard tries to dance down the touchline. Reyes hits the deck with a cry of anguish and the air gets noticeably thinner, as 8,000 people share in a sharp intake of breath. Thankfully Reyes gets to his feet, albeit gingerly. He shows Cygan the bump on his shin, before sharing it with the rest of the team. Play continues at a gentle medium pace, but occasionally some real power sneaks through. Thumping challenges, screaming shots and genuinely contested headers all bring eager applause from a captivated crowd.
As competitive play winds down, fitness training takes over. Henry pairs up with Bergkamp for some short-distance speed and agility work. Senderos, Cygan and Toure go under the watchful eye (and ever-clicking stopwatch) of Pat Rice. The remaining outfield players pace it out in pairs, along the far touchline, urged on by Arsène. Flamini is picked out for individual treatment, going on ten-metre runs and focusing on his close control. Everywhere you look, there's something different happening. I think we're getting a tiny glimpse of the personalised training routines Wenger uses to strengthen each individual player – but I'm equally sure that the most important techniques are being held back. Either way, it's fascinating.
As each separate session comes to a close, players make their way back towards the tunnel, before flopping down onto the grass. Cole and Reyes juggle the ball back and forth, while sitting on their backsides. Pires and Hleb rest on their elbows, seemingly oblivious to the wider world. Soon the tannoy bursts into life, confirming that training is over.
In the background the ladies team is gathering for a photo shoot. They look great in the new kit and have plenty of silverware to show off, but we're urged to leave, which is a shame. I'm sure they would have been given a very warm reception.
Members Day. It's a slightly strange mixture of work and play, with a smattering of showmanship – but let's hope it survives the transition to Ashburton Grove. "They could sell tickets for this," says the guy sitting next to me. "I'm surprised they don't," he adds, before heading off to the Arsenal shop.
He stops at the exit and looks back to where I'm standing: "I can only spend £200 or the wife will kill me!" he shouts, with a smile. Yup, it's been a very successful day for everyone involved - players, fans and Arsenal FC.