The Champions League anthem swelled through the stadium, rich and familiar, echoing off steel and concrete.
The moment it came to an end, the formalities began to unwind.
The visiting side turned towards the home players and began making their way down the line, shaking hands with the players until they ran out of hands to shake.
Izan, after slowing down a bit when he got to Nico William's, moved out of the line and slipped the warm-up jacket from his shoulders before passing it back toward the bench.
The away shirt underneath caught the light.
Navy blue, sharp against the pitch, metallic lightning streaks cutting across the fabric, while the armband sat high on his left arm, neon green and impossible to miss.
"Incredible scenes here," the commentator said.
"Arsenal begin their Champions League defence tonight, and for the first time this season, with Izan leading them out from the start."
