The Emirates Cup will bring the curtain down on what has been a pretty successful pre-season campaign for Arsenal…but can they put the icing on the cake by finishing with a win?
Some 12 months or so ago, the mood around the squad was markedly different as a stuttering pre-season pre-empted a woeful start to the league campaign.
This time around, the Gunners have swept aside almost everyone before them in some style, with eye-catching wins over Everton and Chelsea to add to more routine encounters against Orlando and Nurnberg.
A lower-key fixture against Brentford in midweek ended in defeat for Mikel Arteta’s men but a return to the Emirates today (Saturday) offers the Gunners an opportunity to sign-off with a victory in front of what should be a packed Emirates Stadium.
As well as some all-important minutes for the squad, the match could also offer us some insight into Arteta’s thinking ahead of the Premier League season-opener against Crystal Palace next Friday. The manager may use this final pre-season test as an opportunity to field his preferred starting XI in his preferred formation so watch closely for how we line up.
It will also give Gunners fans here in the UK a chance to see some of our new signings in the flesh for the first time, with the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko in contention for starting berths.
Above all else, it will be a chance for the squad to soak in some adoration from eager, football-starved fans and an opportunity for the newer members of the squad to get used to their new home.
It’s good to be back!
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