Off With A Good Showing In Preseason

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It was delightful to see the boys back on the pitch after the holidays in our first game of the US preseason tour.

As expected, a much changed side with a lot of boys from the junior teams. The likes of Odeegard, Jesus, Trossard, Jorginho and Zinchenko all starting from the bench.

Seeing Odeegard come off the bench felt like he was never on holiday. His touches were as crisp as always and his vision again, like that of an owl.

I believe Viera has got a lot potential but I'm unsure how patient Arsenal can be with him. I think he needs to work a bit on his physicality. Despite his lanky nature, he hits the ball very hard and well. The way he took his goal on a volley with finesse and accuracy was typical of him.

It was great to see Timber get some minutes under his belt and this time, in central defence, partnering 17-year old Ayden Heaven and both kept a clean sheet for the over one hour they played together.

Another star to watch out for is Myles Lewis-Skelly, who is growing in the mould of Bukayo Saka. Although a midfielder, he started at left back, similar to where Saka first broke into the first team.

Karl Hein was impressive in the shootout, saving two kicks to give us a win after the game ended 1-1 at full time. I'm not sure what the plan for him by Arteta is, following the arrival of Tommy Setford and Lucas Nygaard. Hein looks like he might still go out on loan but with Ramsdale potentially departing this summer after being dropped for David Raya as Arsenal's number one last season, it could mean that either Hein or Setford would be prompted as backup goalkeeper for the first team.

Up next is Manchester United at the weekend. Hopefully, we get to see our new signing Ricardo Calafiori in action for the first time.