There was an air of anticipation as a group of about 30 journalists and television crew awaited the start of today’s (Thursday) press conference with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger in London Colney.

Herts Advertiser: Arsenal star Jack Wilshere is happy about putting his boots back on despite his recent injury. Photo courtesy of @JackWilshereArsenal star Jack Wilshere is happy about putting his boots back on despite his recent injury. Photo courtesy of @JackWilshere (Image: Jack Wilshere)

As the suggested 9am start-time came and went, a question to a staff member based at the Gunners’ training grounds in St Albans about the likely arrival of Arsene brought this nonchalant response: “He is the boss; he will arrive when he is ready to arrive.”

And about half an hour later, so he did.

The “boss” seemed in good spirits at London Colney ahead of this weekend’s Premier League game against Hull City.

With Arsenal in fourth place after a victorious 3-1 score at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, an upbeat Arsene told media that the team was “preparing massively well for the next game”.

He said being in fourth place was a “big encouragement, but there is a lot of work to do for us”.

Arsene added that left back Kieran Gibbs would be “out for the weekend”.

He said that it would be good to have Mesut Ozil back, “as he gives good opportunities to score [but] we have to test his physicality tomorrow and Saturday.”

Arsene described himself as being “completely” in Premier League mode now.

He also spoke about the impact of the recent win on players’ state of mind.

Arsene said: “When a team wins they are happy and …you have to be completely confident and believe in your game. You feel stronger when your recent history is positive.”

Asked whether Arsenal is five games away from a successful season, he replied: “You can say that, yes.”

He added: “I don’t judge our season before it is finished – I leave that to you.”

Questions recently raised in the national media about the allocation of ticketing were echoed at the conference, with Arsene asked about there being just 25,000 seats for each club in the FA Cup final against Hull.

Arsene responded that it was a shame that not more fans could share the “fantastic atmosphere”.

There was no word on the rehabilitation of local Arsenal star Jack Wilshere, who is out with a foot injury.

However on Tuesday (15) the Harpenden based midfielder said on Twitter that he had his, “first time in boots for 6 weeks!!! Great feeling! #WilshIsComingBack”.

• Arsenal plays against Hull City on Sunday (20) at 2.05pm, at the KC Stadium.