Pre-season is often seen as a period for experimentation, with many clubs opting not to place too much emphasis on results. Managers typically use the opportunity to rotate their squads, test tactical variations and assess the fitness of their players.
However, it can also serve as a valuable indicator of a team’s readiness for the upcoming campaign. While results in friendly matches do not directly influence league standings, the momentum gained and systems refined during this time can lay the foundation for a strong start to the season.
Importance of Early Signings
Arsenal are currently working to finalise several signings ahead of their pre-season schedule. Securing deals early is crucial, as it allows new players to integrate into the team from the first day of training. The earlier they join, the more time they have to understand the club’s playing philosophy and adapt to the demands of the manager.
Although the club has yet to conclude agreements for some of its more high-profile targets, there remains sufficient time in the transfer window. Supporters may feel concerned, but there is no immediate cause for alarm. Patience and precision in the transfer market are often more beneficial than rushed decisions.
Pre-Season as a Platform for Competitive Success
Last summer, Liverpool offered a compelling example of how pre-season form can influence the competitive campaign. They won four of their five friendly matches, including one against Arsenal, and went on to enjoy a successful domestic season. Their performances in pre-season helped instil belief, rhythm and tactical clarity, all of which contributed to their title-winning run.
For Arsenal, pre-season presents a similar opportunity. Each match should be approached with intent, not just as preparation but as a platform to build confidence and cohesion. A consistent tactical approach from the manager will also be important. Rather than frequent changes, sticking to a clear system can allow the squad to develop a stronger understanding of their roles.
Should the new signings adapt quickly and align with the manager’s expectations, they could make an immediate impact. Positive pre-season performances may then be translated into strong showings once the competitive fixtures begin.
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While it’s good to get a few wins under your belt in pre-season and gain some confidence along the way. If your going to lose a game then pre-season is the time to do it.
As long as the team are ready for that first league game of the season, that’s when it really matters.
Just a personal opinion on pre-season games, I wouldn’t play against fellow premier league teams. Why give them a possible boost if they beat you, although as I said earlier it doesn’t matter so much in pre-season. But I will say that to me it isn’t very smart to boost the opposition.
Again that said, they must just make sure there ready for the seasons start. Regardless of results leading up to it.
The article writer does not understand the main principles of pre season friendlies. They mean nothing. They are a tool to get players fit, end of. Its nice not to lose but it matters very little. Fitness and no injuries are THE most important things. Its called pre season for a reason.
Agree Reggie.
The only pre season “friendly” that carries more importance than that, is the Community Shield.
Looking forward to seeing how liverpool’s new signings will fit in and see if any of them get injured or red carded!!
Arsenal chose tough intriguing matches for its pre season. I wish they had avoided Spurs and Newcastle. If losing both happens, negative buzz pre dominates the new season so I guess Arteta is obliged to treat them as not pre season fixtures saving the pre season rather for the Emirates Cup. I even heard Spurs intend to showcase their European League trophy on the field to their Asian fanbase before their match v Arsenal kicks off fuelling the tension.
Ambachew,
If as you say that Spurs will parade their trophy in the upcoming game against us. Then hopefully it will put some fire in the belly’s of our players to win a trophy in the upcoming season. Here’s hoping.🤞👍🏆
The primary reason for almost all “friendly games” nowadays is increasingly financial. While “non-competitive” by definition, that’s not necessarily the case now.
As far as the players are concerned, I guess it’s down to getting through them injury-free and improving fitness. If clubs have managed to complete their incoming transfer business by then, friendlies may help initial team building.
Sure Derek! It’ll be the first of many to be followed soon by Emirates Cup after winning Nico-less Athletic Bilbao if he opts to join
Barca. Lots of trophies even before the season starts. Karma! In your post in the last line maybe you’ve unknowingly omitted the pics of our would be replica trophies.
The reason for preseason matches is getting match fit, players getting use to playing together and of course for financial reasons.
Yes it would be great to win but I won’t lose sleep worrying if we don’t.
What concerns me the most this summer is with getting good transfers to improve our team
Pre season matches are mainly for tactical experiment, fitness and moral boost. By loosing to your rival you indirectly creating moral boost for them, I believe taking any match as competitive and win them would create fear and also send signal to oponenet that you really mean business. Common you gunners make us proud.
We are not playing in Asia
for tactical experiment, fitness and a moral boost
It’s simply for 💰
Can only confer with what wiser heads above have already stated,that pre season games are merely warm ups and mean nothing in the run up to real thing, except for not wanting injuries of course. Players will be coming and going, managers will be giving game time to players the are still hoping to move on, while other players who have had extended international duties will be given a much needed break. And so it goes. Why the panic?