Morning all.
I’m really not sure what to make of our new kit. It’s bright with a hint of zebra in it but I certainly wouldn’t buy one, let alone be seen wearing one. Although saying that, whoever does wear one will certainly be seen. Lol
Today is a big day. The Arsenal men kicked off their pre-season tour with a game against an MLS All Star team managed by Wayne Rooney and in Australia/New Zealand, the Women’s World Cup kicks off with New Zealand taking on Norway. England will be hoping to add a World Cup trophy to their Euros success whereas USA will be hoping to make it three World Cup winners medals in a row and a fifth in total. They’re the team to beat again according to seedings, with Germany, Sweden, England, France and Spain making up the top six. Should be good although like Arsenal, England will have to cope without captain Leah Williamson and Beth Mead. Should be a good tournament.
Back with the men, Kai Havertz is getting a bit of stick in the back pages after becoming the first person in the short history of the event to never score a single point in the cross-then-volley challenge. Apparently Flo Balogun struggled too which meant Arsenal lost in that particular event in the All Star Skills Challenge. Honestly, who gives a hoot because it’s just a bit of fun. In typical fashion though, social media went into overdrive, mainly with Chelsea fans gloating over the fee they received for the player but a few Arsenal fans too. I’m sure Havertz will have the last laugh….
So, what is the All Stars fixture which has become a regular feature in pre-season?
Initially starting as an inter-conference match in 1996, where the best players in the league faced each other, it eventually morphed into a dream team taking on club sides from Europe and Mexico. This will be the 10th time the All-Stars have faced Premier League opposition, and they have won five of the previous nine. However, this is the first time since 2016 it has happened, when we were their opponents. Chuba Akpom scored the winning goal back then.
90 minutes, unlimited substitutions and no extra time.
Who were Arsenal up against?
Nashville striker Hany Mukhtar, FC Cincinnati attacking midfielder Luciano Acosta, LAFC’s Denis Bouanga, Cristian Espinoza of San Jose Earthquakes and Christian Benteke. (At last, a name I recognise) Other players included Walker Zimmerman, Jesus Ferreira, Jordan Morris, Matt Miazga, Thiago Almada and Carlos Gil.
Yes, of course I nicked the above information from Arsenal.com.
By the time the referee blew for half-time, Mikel Arteta’s side were 2-0 up. Both goals were special. Jesus with a stunning chip over the keeper from outside the box, followed by Trossard who, after making a bit of room for his shot, fired home from just outside the penalty area. Trust me, both are a lot better than I’ve made them sound.
No sooner had the second half got underway, Arsenal went 3-0 up. A penalty awarded for a handball which Jorginho calmly slotted home. Just after the hour mark, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice came off the bench meaning all three of our summer signings were on the pitch. Martinelli made it 4-0 – Odegaard superb in the buildup, and then Havertz ended the rout with a left-footed thunderbolt. Marquinhos was the provider with a lovely ball lofted towards the back post which was just too high for the defender to head clear, but perfect for the German to control with his chest and take his shot.
I only saw the game from 2-0 up but I thought Arsenal played quite well. The tempo was quick, we were closing down the All Stars defence in numbers and in the main, the passing was crisp. Bearing in mind the amount of changes made throughout the game, it wasn’t bad at all in my opinion. Rooney’s lot were a bit over enthusiastic with their challenges at times but all in all, a really good workout for the team in yellow.
Actually, I thought the kit look great….
Catch up in the comments.
Rooney probably told them the only way to beat Arsenal is to kick and intimidate them as it usually worked for Fergie
I had my say on the kit earlier this morning. There’s no accounting for taste Rico. 😉
No Williamsom and Mead in the wold Cup?
Yep Rooney pissed off with the ref.Too much stop & start.Of course he avoided the why. Couldn’t get away with his Fergie/ manure tactics against us.Suck it up son.Hopefully more of the same on Saturday.Now that would be tasty.
Both long with term injuries, JM. All ACL injuries I believe.
Lucky kit perhaps?
Can’t complain about the quality of the goals, Jesus meant it even if I needed a second viewing to be sure, cool, composed finish from Trossard who had a very impressive outing. A Jorginho hop, skip and score penalty then a classic Martinelli finish from the left and finally a very accomplished chest control and finish from Havertz, all the new boys did ok and Marquinhos looked lively, even Vieira did some good work in the 1st half.
Saliba cruised through the game like a top of the range Rolls Royce, Kiwior was good again, the whole set up is on top form.
Hi Rico
I’ve only seen the highlights of the match, but I was impressed by how sharp the players were, at least in the bits they showed. As for the shirt, I’m in favour of anything as long as it’s yellow, and I actually like this one. Befor anyone complains, have a look at Girona’s kit from La Liga last season.
https://secalis.co.uk/Files/girona.jpg.
Appalling!
Brighter the better for me Cicero 😂
Hi Brian, I’m glad you said that because I was surprised how fit the players looked. It was almost like the game was in fast forward mode. Even the vast number of changes didn’t upset our rhythm.
Rooney managing is a mystery full stop.
Rooney and management is an oxymoron.
In fact forget the Oxy bit , Rooney is a moron is more accurate.
🤣🤣
I enjoyed the highlights and bearing in mind the new signings only had a few hours getting used to our way all looked good. The kit? A definite no for me the second I saw an image online.
Our new away shirt may not look the best, but I reckon it’s better than the Bruised Banana shirt we a while ago.
Yeah never felt the love for that either, preferred the retro yellow and blue in 1970 but I do like our new home shirt.
I must be the only one who likes the kit then… 😀
Haydn, totally agree re the new signings. If they’re yet to fully settle, we’re in for a treat.
The kit , I am ambivalent , the last shirt I bought was the red and white round neck long sleeve one of 1970’s . I no long have the body to do a shirt justice.
Aww mate exactly. I had one too in 100% cotton and just an embroidered canon. Lost it years ago.
I still have a few, including one signed by Cesc…
Haven’t bought a new one for years though..
Potter, I guess the shirt must have shrunk in that case. 😊
Didn’t say that I could still wear it . My wife says that I am twice the man she married.
Hmm, they all say that.😉
Potter, is that the shirt with Tapscott on the back?
New post up