Results
Sydney FC 0-2 Arsenal (Mertesacker, Lacazette)
WSW 1-3 Arsenal (Giroud, Ramsey, Elneny)
Bayern Munich 1-1 Arsenal (Iwobi) - Arsenal won on pens.
Chelsea 3-0 Arsenal
Alexandre Lacazette
Scored on his debut, a rather simple tap in but good movement to get into position. Played behind the striker in the first two games, linking up play well. In the second two games, up front, he was more isolated and struggled to get involved.
Sead Kolasinac
Used exclusively as a LCB, so we did not get to see his attacking ability. Illness in China meant he looked a bit short against Bayern, and also struggled today against Chelsea.
'keepers
While Cech will remain #1, it is less clear who is 2nd choice. Ospina started 2 of the 4 games, but Martinez played more minutes than either Cech or Ospina. Think it is fair to say Martinez looked more assured, and Ospina's future remains very much in doubt.
Midfield Pairing
Xhaka and Ramsey look certain to be first choice going into the season. Elneny was used in defence rather than midfield, while Coquelin looks likely to be back up.
Defence
Once again we went with 3 at the back throughout the tour. With numbers short (Mustafi, Holding, Gabriel and Chambers all missing, Koscielny suffering from a bad back) it was a bit of a mix and match in there. Both Elneny and Maitland-Niles played in the back 3 throughout the tour.
Monreal played well in the first 3 games, and looks likely to be used mainly as a LCB.
Welbeck and Walcott
Easily the worst players on tour, Welbeck lacks the quality and Walcott seemingly doesn't fit the formation. Would be nice if we could get decent money for the pair but the situation of other players makes it unlikely either will be sold this summer.
Youngsters
Reiss Nelson was the pick, and has surely put himself into contention for the Europa League and League Cup games.
Joe Willock also showed maturity and composure in central midfield, getting forward well and passing adeptly.
Krystian Bielk looked composed and used the ball well, but may go on loan once Mustafi, Holding, Chambers and Gabriel are factored in.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles was the utility man - playing both wing back roles as well as CB. This meant he never really looked settled and his performances didn't match his ability.
Cohen Bramall looked a bit below the level needed.
Donyell Malen and Eddie Nketiah also appeared and did well at times.
Next Up...
Next weekend sees the Emirates Cup return. We play Benfica on Saturday and Sevilla on Sunday. Holding and Chambers could return to the squad, not so sure about Mustafi and Alexis Sanchez. Possibly we could turn to some players left off this tour as well - Lucas Perez maybe.
The action is on Quest TV
Tour Review...
posted on 22/7/17
comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 45 seconds ago
comment by Gunnerthru (U6675)
posted 3 minutes ago
comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 27 minutes ago
comment by Conte'nt (U20893)
posted 2 minutes ago
Pete says it like it is, hence you don't like him. Banning Pete from the goobers thread demonstrated that Mugabe was more tolerant than you. Your attitude like fascists or a nazists towards your fellow goobers is unacceptable in a democratic countries. You even banned Gunth for no apparent reasons.
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Pete isn't bannedCan't believe you fell for that.
Gunther called another poster on the thread a Toad facking, onion breathed, French caaaaant. I cannot allow such racist stereotyping on the thread. Least of all from a Lederhosen wearing, sauerkraut munching, sunbed hogging, humourless Natzi sympathiser like him.
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Show me where I said that ffs
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"Comment deleted by article creator"
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You're lying.
posted on 22/7/17
DJ outed as a liar.
posted on 22/7/17
Make a complaint gt, racism should not be tolerated.
posted on 22/7/17
DJ put to the sword by Gunth
posted on 22/7/17
Dj is a good lad
posted on 22/7/17
comment by Tu Meke Santi (U3732)
posted 12 minutes ago
Dj is a good lad
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He is and that is what I have told Pete on his thread.
posted on 23/7/17
tour review - we got past the 3rd rate aussies and looked our normal selves against bayern and chelskivich but at least a financial success!
posted on 23/7/17
We were possibly worse vs Bayern than Chelsea but got very lucky. Bit embarrassing but it's just pre season so results don't really matter provided you're getting stuff well prepared for the real thing.
That said, this squad even with Sanchez is mediocre and feels further from a title challenger than most.
Couple that with the fact a lot of players that we'll be relying on are coming to the end of their contracts and this season is shaping up to be a huge shiiit show.
posted on 23/7/17
comment by jonafc for real (U1385)
posted 2 hours, 57 minutes ago
tour review - we got past the 3rd rate aussies and looked our normal selves against bayern and chelskivich but at least a financial success!
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Our normal selves against Chelsea, who we just beat in the cup final only a few weeks ago...
posted on 23/7/17
I tend to judge Arsenal on an entire season not a one off cup final. I know it was not our full team by any means but all the weaknesses (especially on counter and defending) were still their on display and also against Bayern Munich.