Unai Emery says he’s pleased with the focus his players have demonstrated during this week’s warm weather training camp in Dubai as Arsenal rounded off their trip with a 3-2 win over Al-Nasr.
Without three-week fixture hiatus, a mix-and-match squad of Academy prospects and old heads jet off to the Middle East five days ago to build fitness and squad camaraderie ahead of April’s daunting run of eight competitive matches.
While the club’s players undertook sponsorship activities on behalf of Emirates, Emery says he observed positive signs that his players are eager to achieve their ambition of securing a place in next season’s Champions League.
“My objective with the players today in the first and second half was to get into their rhythm and continue with the work we’ve been doing recently,” he told press at the Al Maktoum Stadium. “I think we did that.”
He went on: “We are going step by step and also for us it is getting better. The adaptation for us first and for all the players in their work is getting better and we are keeping confidence.
“The players are also showing they wish to do something important this year. The key is now, this break is key for the next month and we are focused for this last month.”
Looking to the challenges ahead in both the Premier League and Europa League, which starts on Monday at the Emirates against Newcastle, Emery was happy to point out that the recent 2-0 win over Manchester United is now the blueprint for his players to follow.
“It’s our objective [to qualify for the Champions League] but we know that we have to wait. We are working and being competitive each match.
“Now, in these next eight matches, we need to play with a lot of personality like we did against Manchester United.
“We know it’s going to be difficult because we are surrounded by other big teams but I think we are working very well and we are taking confidence to have chances in the last matches.
“Each match is our next objective and we think game by game. The next game is at home with our supporters against Newcastle, so it’s up to us to enjoy each match with the possibility of finding the three points.
“Afterwards, the second way of [qualifying for the Champions League] is through the Europa League.
“We can play for one title and then also to take another way to reach the Champions League. We are in a good moment in good confidence, and also in a good moment physically.”
He also implied he wouldn’t be there if he didn’t have to be, but that’s modern game stuff
It won’t be long before the ridiculous international game comes up for discussion again
3-2 win after their late penalty
Fair enough, Unai, but can our players show that they “wish to do something important” when it really matters – against the clubs we still have to play in the EPL and against Napoli in the Europa League? Frankly, a very close win against a local team that 99.9% of Gooners had never heard isn’t any indication of how we’ll perform then (particularly if we have to rely on Mustafi in defence which worries me).
What’s wrong with you for pity’s sake!
Some people are just fucking born miserable.
No problem with Mustafi. If anything Mavropanos was swarmed first half but he is just working back in.
Mustafi was not responsible for dropping 8 points against BHA, Soton (away) West Ham (not to mention Liverpool.
That patch Torreira lost the ball 5 times (either dispossessed or poor pass). Led to 3 or 4 goals directly.
Don’t see any criticism of him.
He has a point though.
We need to be sharp for Newcastle. This is a holiday match nothing more.
Some times these trips can be good for team morale, but some times they can make the team too relaxed.
How we take a apart Newcastle (if we do) is a better indication.
We have 8 games left in league and we must treat every single one like a final with full respect to teams faced even if they are not top 6.
Plus then we have to be up for Napoli away. That will be the BIG one.
Nothing Emery said suggests this was an important match or anything to aspire to. He says it’s about keeping rhythm through the interlull.
Im afraid goonereality has missed the point entirely here.
So has Santori. But then, for all the words he types, when has he ever gotten the point?
Emery said after the match: “The players are also showing they wish to do something important this year. The key is now, this break is key for the next month and we are focused for this last month.” That is exactly what I was commenting on … .
What would you say then if the guys played with Uber intensity and then many got injured? This match was nothing more like a pre-season match. Even if we lost 3-2, i won’t even think about it too much
Joe montemurro the coach of arsenal ladies can be a great coach for the male first team if that chance arises.. It takes allot to be called the pep guardiola of women’s football
LOL
They will be showing this next Monday not in Dubai hopefully. Dubai is a holiday/exhibition match bc of the ridiculous International scheduling. (Unless some rich Shiek is being courted to buy out ahem Kroenke) Otherwise, the opponents face in Al Nasr with all due respects, is a shop window for some (Pleguezuelo, Jenkinson) and a gauge on the hunger of some of the younger players. Of the younger players, John-Jules of course grabs the headlines with his well composed goal. He will be pushing on Nketiah particularly as the lad has some size on him. No injuries to take home… Read more »
Maintaining match fitness. Integrating the younger players in advance of a match-heavy month. Plus the simple psychology of moods being lifted by being in warmer climes.
How are these bad things?
Btw writing multiple posts repeating the same things doesn’t make your “points” any more right.
Totally agree with Maul’s point, but would also add ‘meeting our contractual obligations with sponsors, thereby ensuring further financial support’ is also a positive. Nobody is claiming that this game was important, or an indicator of what is in store for us. But, from any angle I look at it, it was a positive thing.
@Tapps yup! ??
The only bad thing (good thing?) is that santori lad won’t even bother replying your message, like ever.
Wonder if he thinks we are just invisible….
Third position in the league is achievable. COYG!