Hong Kong – On his first morning at the Arsenal’s Hong Kong Waterfront Hotel, team manager Mikel Arteta strolled through the lobby near the elevators, only to be met by a crowd of 50 autograph seekers who had ventured closer than expected. Remaining composed, Arteta signed numerous shirts that fans eagerly thrust toward him until security stepped in to restore order.
This unexpected encounter served as a reminder for Arteta to prepare for surprises that lie ahead.
The energetic atmosphere exemplified the intensity of the club’s preseason tour in Asia, blending hospitality with humidity. This experience aims to set the tone for Arteta and his squad ahead of what is being touted as their most demanding season yet, having finished as runner-up in the Premier League for the last three years. With five years since their last trophy, the club’s tour message is centered around “reaching new heights.”
There’s truly only room for improvement.
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Arsenal has invested over £200 million in six new players, including a long-desired central forward. Viktor Gyökeres, who sparked excitement among fans, had his name echoed the loudest at Kai Tak Stadium during Arsenal’s match against Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday.
Expectations are soaring. Arteta has redefined “pressure” as a belief, and many insist that Arsenal must claim the league title this season, emphasizing the conviction behind it.
With ten months ahead to fulfill these aspirations, there are valuable lessons drawn from their time in Singapore and Hong Kong.
Arrival in Singapore
Upon arriving in Singapore, Arteta, along with managing director Richard Garlick, addressed players and staff at a hotel on Senta Island. Those familiar with the gathering noted that the theme of the discussions could be summed up in one word: Energy. This emphasis was reiterated during talks aimed at uniting the team for the upcoming season.
Challenges quickly arose. Arsenal’s inaugural training session was delayed due to a significant storm, leading to adjustments in their already tight schedule. Nonetheless, the club unveiled their away kit as planned, featuring players Mikel Merino, Miles Lewis Skelly, Martins Vimendi, and Ricardo Calafiori alongside actor Will Poulter.
Training took place inside the National Stadium, where the team was met with enveloping humidity. Although many players found the conditions tough, Declan Rice expressed enjoyment, stating that humidity contributes positively to fitness.
Impact of the Tour – and Belta
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Arsenal acknowledging that they have “much to learn” after their defeat to Spurs.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reflects on the 1-0 loss to Tottenham in Hong Kong.
Arsenal triumphed over AC Milan 1-0 in their opening tour match on July 23, with many fans imitating Gyökeres’ iconic goal celebrations, which were prominently featured on local broadcasts. Although there were rumors of a completed transfer before the match, club executives remained apprehensive about finalizing the deal with Sporting CP due to ongoing negotiations.
Reports indicate that Arsenal’s negotiators faced tough discussions, but sports director Andrea Berta impressed the club leadership and is seen as a key figure after the unexpected departure of Edu Gaspar last November.
While some at Arsenal are skeptical of Berta’s capacity due to his ties with Atletico Madrid, executive vice-chairmen Tim Lewis and Garlick engaged Berta and other candidates before he subsequently met with Arteta and Josh Kroenke. Many players within the club have commented on Berta’s tireless work ethic, even standing out to those accustomed to a high standard of commitment.
This summer, Berta has taken the lead in negotiations while consistently updating the club’s leaders, with his clear communication style likened to a breath of fresh air.
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ARTETA: Gyökeres understands the significance of the No. 14 shirt
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes that Viktor Gyökeres recognizes the importance of the No. 14 shirt to the club.
During a November meeting with the club’s owner in Los Angeles, Arteta, Lewis, and Garlick emphasized the necessity to enhance the team’s attacking capabilities, leading to Berta’s hiring. While Arsenal considered alternatives like Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, concerns about fitness and transfer fees surrounded possible moves.
The club had been researching Benjamin Sesko at RB Leipzig for over a year; however, negotiations revealed potential financial challenges linked to acquiring him.
Arsenal also recognized the psychological pressures their players face in high-stakes scenarios. Gyökeres, with an impressive record of 97 goals in 102 matches, boasts not only skill but also character as a player.
After finalizing a deal worth €63 million (plus €10 million in add-ons), Berta made his entrance during the second match of the tour alongside Gyökeres. The team edged Newcastle 3-2. Fans were alerted to Gyökeres’ official announcement 15 minutes before kickoff, highlighting the growing scrutiny he faces.
Arsenal aimed to include Gyökeres in their preseason travel plans, but delays in negotiations resulted in him joining after a four-hour flight to Hong Kong, as Arteta prioritized fast integration into the team.
Playing Style and Resilience
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Will Viktor Gyökeres elevate Arsenal’s chances for the Premier League title?
Steve Nicole and Alejandro Moreno discuss Gyökeres’ transfer to Arsenal.
Despite their 1-0 loss to Tottenham marking the end of the tour, Arsenal displayed some evolving patterns in their play across three matches in Hong Kong.
Ben White and Bukayo Saka effectively commanded the right side, while Martin Ødegaard thrived in his role. Cynics might argue that the same issues persisted from previous seasons, yet the team’s directness and pace have noticeably improved.
Internally, Arsenal acknowledges the need to refine their tactics to maximize Gyökeres’ strengths. He excels at exploiting spaces between center-backs rather than facilitating play like Kai Havertz. While this shift in play may not advocate for long-ball tactics, it emphasizes a quicker transition.
The club is also attentive to the players’ availability after a challenging previous season. Factors such as Gabriel Magalhães’ hamstring injury after international duty underscore the need for careful management of player workloads.
With a heavy focus on acquiring players known for fitness, Arteta admitted he had to abandon his tiered player strategy due to the demanding fixtures. The overarching theme in this summer’s signings is a preference for athletes with low injury risks, though it’s understood that some aspects rely on luck.
Dowman Proves Young Talent is Promising
Arsenal is navigating the challenge of managing 15-year-old winger Max Dowman, whose impressive performances during the preseason have caught the eye. Dowman earned a decisive penalty in the match against Newcastle, but was only partially utilized against Tottenham. His remarkable talent has energized the fanbase, with sources suggesting he’s on track for future success at a high level.
However, as a young player, he isn’t yet eligible to sign professional contracts or regularly train with the first team. The club is also mindful of his maturation process. Ultimately, uncertainties remain about how well Dowman and other young talents can handle the physical demands of competitive football.
Arteta is taking a cautious approach with Dowman, despite potential criticism from fans eager to see him play more. There will be time to showcase his skills, and the club is impressed by the support system surrounding him, with plans to potentially offer him a deal in January.
Arteta Seeks Balance
Arteta is known for his meticulous nature, but he has recently focused on finding joy in his work. Recognizing the need for balance, he considered Noni Madueke meeting the Arsenal team for the Asia Tour shortly after winning the Club World Cup with Chelsea. While initially eager, he ultimately realized players need a break to celebrate their successes.
Adjusting to this balance can be challenging. During open training sessions, Arteta was highly engaged, actively participating and encouraging players.
He’s aware that preparation is key, ready to tackle whatever challenges may arise.
Fan Take: This news is crucial for soccer enthusiasts as it showcases Arsenal’s strategic transformation and their ambitions for a title-winning season. With significant investment in new talent like Gyökeres, fans are hopeful that these changes will translate into the success they’ve been waiting for on the pitch.
