Back home

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 Ramsdale. It remains to be seen what we do with the latter, but the addition of those first four names will bring much-needed stability to proceedings. 

It would make sense to ease them into things gently but with a difficult set of fixtures on the horizon we’ll probably need them to hit the ground running. I expect they’ll start on the bench for Leverkusen’s visit next week and will definitely get minutes against Lyon on 11 August. I wonder if we might also arrange another behind-closed-doors friendly in between? 

When you consider the recruitment of Riccardo Calafiori was driven by a recognition that we can’t expect Saliba and Gabriel to keep playing 50-plus games a season on a rolling basis and Mikel Merino’s mooted arrival provides versatile backup in midfield, it does make you wonder what we’re thinking with regard to Saka. 

It’s slim pickings on the right flank whether Reiss Nelson sticks around or not. Yes, Fabio Vieira has popped up there in pre-season, but he lacks Saka’s burst of pace and brings a different skill set to proceedings. Gabriel Jesus is another option although he’ll be hoping that he gets more chances to lead the line now that he’s fully fit. Tim touches on the Brazilian’s situation in his latest column, which, as always, is worth five minutes of your time. 

Who knows, maybe we’ve got a surprise transfer up our sleeve? I say that without really believing it at this point but perhaps I should have more faith in Edu and Arteta. They seem to be working the transfer market in a very methodical way. 

On that front. I’m loathe to repeat lines from the last few days but Eddie Nketiah seems to be edging closer to an exit and could be the next to follow Emile Smith Rowe out of the door. I’ve no idea why it’s taking Fulham so long to announce his arrival. We’ve had 24 hours of silence since he was spotted leaving his medical and more than once I’ve slipped into a daydream about a miraculous U-turn that ends with him scoring the winner for us in the Champions League final. 

Finally, for today, I have to mention the release of Evan Gershkovich after 491 days in Russian captivity. 

I’m delighted for his friends, family and colleagues and can only wish him the best as he comes to terms with his entire life being tipped upside down. The pictures of him embracing his mother on the tarmac in Maryland…man, oh, man…there’s something in my eye… 

If you were one of the many Arsenal fans who showed support for a fellow Gooner during his time of need, thank you.

Just before he was arrested, Evan was wondering whether Gabriel Jesus’ return from injury might help Arsenal win the league. 

If he’s looking for some familiar ground, at least he can return to that chat with his mates. Perhaps over a pint before heading to the Emirates. 

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Right, that’s me done for blog cover. Tim is going to see you through the weekend and Blogs will be back at his desk on Monday, I believe. Thanks for having me. 

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