Bukayo Saka insists his World Cup injury frustration is already a distant memory. The 24-year-old forward had to manage Achilles' pain carefully at the back end of last season and throughout this summer's tournament in North America.
However, Saka has hit the ground running in the Premier League, starting and scoring for the champions in their 3-0 demolition of Coventry.
More training, not more rest
He claims the secret to his sharpness is not prolonged rest - but even more training - explaining: "The World Cup was a couple of months ago, but I've put in a lot of work since then. It was more about balancing my time off and not having too much of a break.
"So, I took seven days off and then I started to train again. I'm just trying to come back in good shape so I'm on top of my game."
Saka's stunning hat-trick in the electric 6-4 third-place play-off victory over France in Miami ignited the fire within his belly for the new season. It's partially why he refused to take his foot off the gas, especially as his condition gradually improved during the World Cup.
A challenging summer
He admits it was a challenging and mentally-taxing summer, so much so that he reported back to London Colney for pre-season training two days early. The tricky dribbler continued: "Yeah, it was [difficult].
"It didn't necessarily go how I wanted it to. Myself and for the team as well. But, yeah, I put the World Cup behind me mentally and just worked on the team."
Arsenal are now reaping the rewards of his hunger, and he has one mission on his mind: retaining the club's domestic crown. Saka said: "That's the mindset. We want to do it again, and we're going to give our best."
Winning is what matters
After Mikel Arteta's Gunners netted all three goals from open play, the efficient right-winger was quizzed on whether we are going to see 'a more attacking Arsenal' this season.
The England international responded sternly: "I don't like this narrative, to be honest. I think it's a great start for the team. We played beautiful football and we scored, what the game required. Sometimes it's a set piece, sometimes it's open play. It's about winning and that's what matters."
Welcome for Konsa
Saka knew there was somebody special waiting for him as soon as he left the field. It was his close friend, Ezri Konsa. The pair have struck a unique bond while playing together for England - Konsa even FaceTimed Saka from Aston Villa's open-top bus Europa League parade - and now they are team-mates at club level.
The 28-year-old centre-back has joined the Gunners in a deal worth an initial £51million plus £4m in add-ons and was in attendance to watch Arsenal romp their way to victory while securing the first of many clean sheets this season.
Saka can't wait to see Konsa pull on the red and white shirt. He said when asked to explain their bromance: "I don't know how to describe it, man. Ever since I met him at England, we've just got on.
"Yeah, I'm so happy to have him here. Not only because he's a brother to me, but I know the level of player he is and I'm excited for him to show it at this level."
