The Arsenal squad, or those players that are fit and ready at least, have two more friendly games to go in the pre-season schedule, so hopefully the Gunners will perform well against Viking FK this evening and then Manchester City on Sunday. So far, though, it has been so good for Arsenal and with all the players that Arsene Wenger has had to do without, that did not look all that likely.
One player who has stood out more than most is our young England under 21 international striker Chuba Akpom. The 20-year old netted in each of the two games on the mini tour of the United States, helping us to very respectable wins over the MLS All-Stars and the Mexican side Chivas De Guadalajara, so it is no wonder that he was reported by Arsenal.com being very positive about the pre-season preparations, which he called ‘sensational’.
Akpom said, “I’m just enjoying it. I have enjoyed every second of the tour, on the pitch and off the pitch. The main thing is gaining fitness and winning the games obviously. I’m buzzing we got two wins in America, now it is back to the UK.
“We have done a lot of fitness and strength work out here, so we are going back stronger – especially in this heat. The main thing is gaining fitness and I enjoyed it.
“They were a good team. Technically and physically they were really good. You can’t come to these places and underestimate these teams. The football is really good; it was a tough test.
“I think the lads are clicking on the pitch and off the pitch. I’m buzzing for Rob and Chambo, they scored good goals. There were a lot of positives from this game.”
Doing well in these build up matches is one thing, however, and carrying it in when the Premier League season starts is another and more important thing. Assuming that Arsenal play well in the two matches this weekend, do you think it will help us get off to a winning start next weekend?
Bob