Firstly, let me make it clear that this match was the sort I usually avoid at all costs.
I have a preconception when it comes to friendlies that they’re like those awful Under 21 matches in the EFL Trophy. When the friendly opponent is an Under 21 team, it’s almost like a double dose of avoidance. Imagine, a game with nothing riding on it against a team of kids. Awful, right?
Well, no. I did have a reason for being there, which I’ll cover in another piece, but when it comes to the game itself, I have to confess to being surprised. Arsenal’s youngsters were not like their peers from Wolves or Newcastle – they were half-decent. They had a lively front three that caused problems, combative defenders ready to mix it with the pros, and a keeper who already looks worthy of a Football League loan. All in, it was a good workout, and I think a morale-boosting victory going into the season.
It’s been a decent pre-season, and while I always stress it means absolutely nothing at all, yesterday’s game just capped it off nicely. There have been plenty of negative aspects, injuries mainly, but with six days to go until the big kick off, it feels like the team is almost in shape. Almost.
They often say (whoever they may be) that the team that finishes pre-season is usually the one that starts the following week. It makes sense to get plenty of minutes into the players you think will start so they’re match-ready. If that’s the case, then what a rise for Jovon Makama. A year ago, he was on the fringe, generally regarded as a youngster primed for a non-league loan. This summer, he’s starting the final friendly of the season ahead of Rob Street and Freddie Draper. When you consider players such as Adam Jackson, Paudie O’Connor, Tendayi Darikwa, Ben House and Ethan Erhahon started, it probably does indicate Jovon is the second striker.
There is still an element of uncertainty in some areas. Tom Hamer played left centre-back as Sean Roughan has a knock (he should be fit for Burton). Dylan Duffy played left wing-back as we wait for news on Reeco. JJ McKiernan and Tom Bayliss played, akin to Ted Bishop and Danny Mandroiu playing together because McGrandles and Ethan Hamilton are injured. That said, with Dom Jeffries, Jack Moylan, Lewis Montsma, Freddie Draper and Rob Street on the bench, it feels like we’re in a good place with our squad. Maybe one or two short, but no panic stations going into the opening match of the season.
What of yesterday’s game? It’s hard to read too much into it. Perhaps the first fifteen minutes or so felt like a friendly. Arsenal had a lot of the ball, knocking it around the back line, holding possession. When we did get a chance to have a go, it generally looked alright. Darikwa was playing really high, but with a fast youngster looking to expose him, it felt like a good test for the 32-year-old. He certainly impressed, and was unlucky not to be in the Man of the Match running in my eyes.
On the other flank, Dylan Duffy looked really lively. This is a big season for Dylan, and there’s a lot going on. The betting issue is hanging over him, but the club clearly have faith in him; otherwise, he’d have been suspended like Chris Maguire. With Reeco injured, there’s a massive chance for Dylan to impress if he shrugs off the other issues. Yesterday, albeit in a friendly, I thought he looked good. He showed composure, some solid decision-making, and his delivery looked strong.
There were chances for both in the first half, with George Wickens finally able to get himself into the action after a quiet afternoon at Harrogate. Ismeal Kabia’s effort was saved by Wickens onto the post, and while the big keeper didn’t know a lot about it, he was in the right place at the right time. Positioning is everything. At the other end, Jovon was proving to be a handful, winning a couple of flick ons.
Tom Bayliss had an effort blocked and another over the bar, while a Tom Hamer long throw looked to be a useful weapon. Hamer impressed me hugely in his time on the field. He made a couple of really good tackles, and it felt like his commitment was the catalyst which lifted the game from the humdrum of a pre-season friendly against an Under 21 side into something with a bit of edge.
Arsenal had plenty of chances, with Sagoe Jr, Edwards and Butler-Oyedeji all looking really lively. Wickens made a great stop from Edwards before half time, one on one, while the same player had tried to chip the keeper a little earlier only to lift in over the bar. As the half went on, chance kept coming, one for Duffy who fired wide from range. It certainly didn’t feel like a 0-0 game when Paul Marsden signalled half time, but those were the scores on the doors as the players left the field.
However, it did, perhaps, have the feel of a friendly, without all the intensity you’d hope from the final pre-season match.
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