Hey of us, I’m nonetheless right here in Singapore. My flight is sort of a bit later than I initially thought so Lewis is off the hook at this time.
I used to be on the sport final evening, a 3-2 win over Newcastle on the Nationwide Stadium, so like we did in opposition to AC Milan, listed here are some observations.
Massive Vik arrived
From what I collect, Viktor Gyokeres principally obtained off a flight from London to Singapore, obtained whisked to the stadium, mentioned just a few hellos behind the scenes, then pulled on his quantity 14 shirt and obtained introduced to the group because the membership’s newest signing. As you’d think about, the reception he acquired was improbable. He walked onto the pitch, did some waves, walked off once more and that was that.
I don’t know you may ask way more from him within the circumstances, however clearly now he’s with the squad for the ultimate leg of the tour. They head to Hong Kong tomorrow, and it’s not inconceivable that he might make an precise look in opposition to Sp*rs, however I’m positive he’ll be correctly assessed by way of his health and readiness to try this.
Kai Havertz
Everybody’s understandably excited concerning the new man, and all of us hope he’ll be an enormous success, however perhaps his arrival places a little bit of stress on Kai Havertz. That doesn’t must be a foul factor, and within the first half yesterday he supplied the help for Mikel Merino’s well taken equaliser, and it was his cross from the left that led to the personal purpose to make it 2-1.
Ideally you need each Havertz and Gyokeres to play a giant half this season. We’ve realized the laborious approach asking an excessive amount of of our gamers results in accidents, and I don’t assume the German is the type of man who will simply sulk or let his head drop as a result of there’s one other participant who’s a viable possibility for his place.
Newcastle are bodily
Afterwards, Mikel Arteta mentioned video games like this aren’t friendlies, calling them ‘a take a look at’ as a substitute. Which I get. This sport was performed at a better tempo than the one in opposition to AC Milan, and I believe dealing with Premier League opposition calls for extra from you for varied causes. Nevertheless, I’ll say I questioned the knowledge of taking part in a staff who like to go away a bit in in too many challenges.
You possibly can argue it’s a part of our preparation, it received’t be any totally different after we face them within the Premier League, however whenever you see Joelinton come on and slap a 15 12 months outdated within the face – having simply executed the identical factor to Merino just a few seconds earlier – it might get a bit irritating. Significantly after accidents derailed our final season. Fortunately, not one of the challenges dealt any severe injury, however it wasn’t for the shortage of making an attempt from one or two of the Newcastle gamers.
As a small apart Elliot and I walked previous their assistant supervisor Jason Tindall in Singapore yesterday as we went to go for lunch. He appears like a twat up shut too.
Ricardo Calafiori
I loved his first 45 minutes, and it’s attention-grabbing that Mikel Arteta has began him in each video games out right here. He clearly desires to present him central defensive minutes as there’s nonetheless some doubt as to when precisely Gabriel will likely be 100% match. Early within the second half although, he went down with no one round him, and needed to come off. He went straight down the tunnel, not wanting too pleased.
Afterwards, Arteta described it as a ‘tweak’, however of what we don’t know. Hopefully it’s nothing severe, however maybe greater than anybody else, the Italian actually wanted an injury-free pre-season to offer some reassurance – for himself and for us as followers. After final season it’s laborious to not fear. There’s an excellent participant there, however considerations about his reliability/availability will proceed if he’s sidelined once more.
Max Dowman (once more)
Identical to in opposition to AC Milan, he got here on and impressed. This was much more hanging although, doing it in opposition to Premier League opposition quite than a Serie A facet who principally ambled their approach by the earlier sport. He had two pictures which the keeper did effectively to save lots of, and the burst and run which received the penalty – desperately pushed down by Joelinton – was sensational. The mixture of talent and tempo was breathtaking.
Requested about him afterwards, Arteta mentioned:
It’s particular. Clearly what he’s executed at this time in opposition to this staff within the time that he had on the pitch is one thing actually not widespread to witness for a 15-year-old.
As you may think, Arsenal are eager to maintain the hype to a minimal due to his age. However if you happen to’re going to play him in a excessive profile pre-season pleasant and he does what he did final evening, persons are going to speak. Followers, the press, podcasters, everybody. I get the necessity to preserve a lid on it due to his age, he can’t even signal skilled phrases till he turns 17 (however that’s not till the tip of 2026), however we’re seeing one thing a bit particular right here and I believe it’s okay to say that out loud.
Singapore
Just a few closing ideas by myself keep right here, quite than the match final evening. A giant thanks to everybody I met for his or her welcome and hospitality. It’s at all times wonderful to attach with followers from everywhere in the world, and there have been so a lot of them right here this week. I’ve had such a good time, and I can’t wait to return again right here once more. On high of the whole lot else, the meals is simply so good!
Proper, I’ll depart it there. Andrew Allen will likely be on weblog obligation tomorrow, and hopefully – if we are able to line issues up by way of timing/tiredness/jet-lag – we’ll have a podcast for you too.
For now, have a great one!
