Nacho Monreal is one of many people connected with Arsenal ruing the dropped points from the start of the season.

Throwing together wins like they were the easiest thing in the world, Arsenal travel to Turf Moor on Saturday looking to win their eighth straight game (in the league and in all competitions).

The Spaniard, who has wrestled away the first-choice left-back slot from Kieran Gibbs, was hailing the dynamic around Arsenal at present, but still left a little space of reflection on what might have been had Arsenal not been so crippled for the first half of the season.

The dynamic around the place is very positive and we have been able to beat teams both at the top and bottom of the table,” Nacho told Arsenal.com. “We are picking up points and playing well. That’s the general dynamic around the place at the moment – one of positivity.

“We had quite a difficult start to the season and those points we lost earlier in the season are proving to be a bit of a problem for us now. We are going through a very good spell now and the team is doing very well.

“We are bursting with confidence, playing very well and I think that is the vein in which we need to continue.

“We expect a very tough and competitive match. They are obviously in the relegation spots and obviously they are going to want to get out of that position.

“They will be playing at home in front of their own fans and of course they are going to want to try and beat us. So we are expecting a tough match.”

Burnley, as many top sides (and Tottenham) will attest, offer a stern test this weekend but Arsenal know that with the two Manchester sides playing each other they have a great chance to solidify second place.

No-one is expecting QPR to get anything against Chelsea but…no, there is no but.

That way, madness lies.