So over the last 10 days Arsenal played the 3 club friendlies, 2 in the National Stadium in Singapore and then over to Hong Kong yesterday.
Whilst we shouldn't read too much in pre-season games, we did see that amongst some indifferent periods, there is optimism for us to hold onto at this time, as we focus training towards the big kick off on 17th and hone in on the changes to adapt to. There were some good periods of dominance in the games against AC Milan and Newcastle, and bar for some profligate finishing we should of won both games easier with a wider scores. Against Tottenham there were some visible elements of the disappointment of last season still rearing their ugly head. Our early pressure petered out and as soon as they scored, our resolve weakened and we were lucky not to concede more.
Feeling at home 5,970 miles away ❤️ pic.twitter.com/X8WZ9y0uHl
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 1, 2025
A few players looked like they weren't quite back from their hols yet, but on the positive side, Nwaneri looks ready for the challenge if Odegaard has another dip, Saka, Rice and Benny Blanco all looked keen, big Willie very smooth and Max Dowman is going to be our next big academy hit. Mosquera looks quick and good in the air and will add some very important depth the central defensive pairing to allow for rotation and when needed. Especially given we already seem to be without a lot of defenders and the season has even kicked off yet.
Finally, it was a shame to only get to see Gyokeres for the last 15 minutes against Tottenham. I am not sure what we expected to learn by starting Kai, we know what he will bring to the table, hassle, hussle and participation - but never an explosive goal threat from a specialised finisher. I would hope, and expect, that we will see a lot more of VG14 next week against Villarreal and Atletico Bilbao and we will get to see what a prolific marksman can do for us.
So, a mixed bag over the pre-season so far - but an indication of our season to come its likely to be more transparent by the end of September.
COYG !! Keep the Faith
