Good morning from London the place I’m making an attempt to determine whether or not I ought to deal with at present as a matchday or not.
For these within the UK, kick-off in opposition to Bournemouth – the primary match of our US tour – is at 3.30 am tomorrow, so technically it’s not. On the similar time, it’s the final likelihood I’ll get to preview the sport because it’ll be over by the point I’m as much as write tomorrow’s weblog.
I’m teetering on the sting of the “he’s 28 till he turns into 29” vortex, so it’s in all probability finest to maneuver on.
I’m unsure about you however I’ve been hoovering up the USA Tour content material following a remarkably quiet six weeks or so on the Arsenal entrance. As a rule June is the quietest month on Arseblog Information however even I used to be stunned that by way of revealed articles, the one comparable interval within the website’s historical past was when soccer was suspended as a result of Covid-19.
Consider me, we have been prepared and ready for one thing juicy to drop, however other than a couple of growing switch tales and a few light-touch protection of the worldwide tournaments, there wasn’t a lot value masking. From a private perspective, it was a blessing as my ‘actual’ job has been ridiculously busy lately and when issues warmth up on that entrance, you actually admire the privilege of not having to supply content material only for the sake of it.
And earlier than you come at us together with your pitchforks and evaluate us to Denilson monitoring again in opposition to Stoke, I ought to level out that Arseblog Information simply handed the 20,000 revealed articles milestone which, over 13 years, works out at round 4 articles a day. So not unhealthy.
Anyway, again to Los Angeles and the squad’s preparations for tonight’s/tomorrow’s match.
Having watched a few of the coaching snippets on Arsenal’s social channels and the Hayters’ protection on YouTube, it’s truthful to say it appears like sweaty work. Within the latter, I significantly loved the cameraman remarking “that could be a tan” on the sight of Ben White caramelising within the noon solar. There was no such commentary when Oleksandr Zinchenko got here into view. I believe the Ukrainian has to overlook the primary hour of each session whereas he bathes his paleness in issue 50. He should be weighing up a gathering with HR.
The warmth apart, it’s a really totally different setup to London Colney. I do know the KSE-owned LA Rams, whose services Arsenal are utilizing this week, plan to maneuver to a brand new coaching facility quickly and I can’t say I’m stunned. It appears like a few pitches have been airdropped into the desert and the sight of varied tents, portacabins and vehicles on the touchline offers the setup a really momentary and unglamorous really feel; a stark distinction to SoFI Stadium the place the Rams play their dwelling video games.
On the plus facet, the grass appears pristine. Hopefully, that’s additionally the case at Dignity Park tonight and for the Manchester United sport on Saturday/Sunday. Final yr, SoFi Stadium’s pitch was in such a nasty state for the Barcelona sport that Arteta initially needed the sport known as off.
He’s since framed the touring expertise as a constructive and insists being pressured to adapt to new environment is sweet preparation for the season correct as “some unpredictable issues occur and once you journey overseas it’s important to face that.”
With regards to unpredictability, it’ll be attention-grabbing to see how we line up in opposition to Bournemouth. I’m assuming Arteta will go as robust as potential for the primary half after which ship on the foetuses after the break. It actually depends upon whether or not he’s able to area his Euro 2024 contingent.
If he’s, you may play Karl Hein – our solely keeper with absolutely developed fingers – in objective, then Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior, White and Jurrien Timber in defence, Thomas Partey or Jorginho on the base of midfield, Emile Smith Rowe or Fabio Vieira alongside Martin Odegaard (assuming he’s recovered from the sniffles) and three of Gabriel Jesus, Reiss Nelson, Eddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard. That’s not too shabby.
Greater than something, I’m excited to see what we do with Timber. After principally sustaining a season-ending damage on his Premier League debut, he’s the textbook definition of LANS. Furthermore, we nonetheless don’t know the place he matches into Arteta’s plans. This time final yr, the Dutchman was making waves as a left-back however with a number of choices in that place, to not point out a deal within the pipeline for Riccardo Calafiori, it’s important to assume the supervisor has one thing else in thoughts.
Timber appears relaxed concerning the scenario and is comfortable to be thought of a flexible possibility.
“I’ve performed all over the place within the again to be truthful. Final pre-season I began loads as a left-back and I loved it as effectively so I’m comfortable to play.
“I spoke about it with Ben White as effectively. I feel it’s good to be versatile simply to play extra positions. You’re additionally in a position to get extra minutes then, I feel. And the coach can put you in additional locations. It’s good for him as effectively. And I’m simply hoping to play anyplace.”
“I feel it [competition for places] is sweet. And it’s good for the workforce. On the finish of the day, you need to win prizes and also you want everybody for that. So, I feel it’s enjoyable and good for everybody to carry one another up.”
Judging by the dimensions of his arms – completely bloody huge(!) – it appears like he’s been actually lifting everybody up. He’ll be a really welcome addition to Arsenal’s burgeoning group of massive robust boys wherever he performs.
I believed Arteta’s feedback about his management qualities have been additionally noteworthy.
“He’s a pacesetter. He likes to be on present and an enormous presence in all the things that we do. He’s very vocal and very gifted technically. He is a good addition to the workforce.”
Enjoyable reality, after Bukayo Saka, Karl Hein and Emile Smith Rowe, Timber is the fourth-youngest member of the primary workforce. I’d by no means have guessed given the calmness and authority he exudes when on digital camera…an outdated head on younger (however huge) shoulders. As I mentioned earlier than, I’m excited to see him again.
Proper, that’s about it from me for at present.
It’s value noting that Bournemouth are barely forward of us of their pre-season preparations. They performed Palace in a behind-closed-doors pleasant at their coaching floor earlier than their “Bourne within the USA” tour began every week in the past. On the weekend, in Santa Barbara, they drew 1-1 with Wrexham, whose personal North American jaunt has been branded the “Wrex Coast Tour”. Whoever got here up with these names must be awarded a medal after which shot.
Arteta and Odegaard have each emphasised the significance of profitable matches throughout pre-season, so let’s see what occurs. I’m positive there gained’t be any overreaction to a defeat…
Realistically, I’m not going to get up at 3.30am to observe the match, so forgive me upfront if tomorrow’s weblog reads prefer it’s been cobbled collectively on the final second.
Till then!
