As Lewis reported yesterday, the US tour ended on a disappointing note with a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Liverpool.
Given the time difference, I didn’t bother trying to watch the Bournemouth and United friendlies but after a few drinks on Thursday evening with mates, I decided it might be a worthwhile exercise catching this one. Anyway, I took up residence on the sofa with the laptop, watched the teams come out of the tunnel and promptly fell fast asleep. By the time I woke up – sitting upright with my shoes still on – we were 2-1 down and the game was nearly over, so I turned it off and went to bed.
All in all, a bit of a failure…
“Obviously we can improve,” was Arteta’s cutting assessment of the team’s performance. They are words I’m looking to take onboard as well.
Meanwhile, Martin Odegaard, who has been in pre-season training for what feels like six months, framed the situation slightly differently.
He told Arsenal.com: “I think it’s been a really great week-and-a-half. We’re getting fitter and fitter, getting that sharpness back. I think we’re getting ready, it’s not the moment to be at our top [level] but I think we’re going to time it well and be ready when it kicks off
“I think it’s a good moment. Of course, you need to prepare physically but also to come together as a team. We’ve spent a lot of time together, so I think it’s also been good for the togetherness and to get to know each other even more, and to come even more together as a group.”
I’m sure the young contingent, in particular, had an amazing time. I’m also certain all of the players, after 10 days of planes, star jumps and hotel elevator experiences with a menacing blogger keen to test his physical prowess on them, will be happy to be back at London Colney for a cuddle with Win and a high-five from Bukayo.
So what comes next?
Well, in addition to Saka, the ranks will be bolstered by David Raya, William Saliba, Declan Rice and Aaron…
Source link : https://arseblog.com/2024/08/back-home/
Author : Andrew Allen
Publish date : 2024-08-02 06:25:32
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