Robert Pires claims precious little has changed at Arsenal since his departure three years ago, as he prepares to return to Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.
The veteran French schemer was a fans' favourite in North London but quit the capital for Villarreal in 2006 after falling down manager Arsene Wenger's pecking order.
Pires has enjoyed his time in Spain with the Yellow Submarines and is sure to be greeted warmly when he returns to Arsenal for a UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg, delicately poised at 1-1.
With regards how the club has changed in the intervening period since his departure, Pires told L'Equipe : "Their playing style is still the same but that's normal because Arsene is still in charge.
"It is a team which is always on the move. They play two or three touch. They are also a team with spirit. They haven't lost in the Premier League for three months."
No concernArsenal have a much younger team than their Primera Division opponents but Pires is not convinced that will necessarily be an advantage for the home side.
"Physically, they ended the first leg better than us," he added.
"But young players also lack experience. That's probably their failing."
Villarreal will be without two key players on Wednesday as Spain internationals Marcos Senna and Santi Cazorla are both injured.
And Pires admits losing the pair is a significant blow. "Two big setbacks. Senna is the captain and an important player, especially at dead-ball situations.
"We are going to miss both of them because they dictate our play."
