Pre-Season 2025/2026 thread

Calafiori is a goal threat at least from that position, he gets caught out a lot even when he is the actual LB position though.

Nice ball from Ode there

Big cockup from Cala in our box there, nearly led to a goal, I think someone said just a bit earlier he couldn't defend well... ;)

Cala cocks up again, this time giving the ball away up the pitch

It's Zin all over again

Saka finds Gyok at last but it's a lame shot easily saved

Rice corner goes out of play

Gyok scores from a header :scarf:

Saka makes it 2-0

One goal follows the first quickly

The only thing that worries me is how much of a slog getting the first

Despite his defensive flaws, Calafiori links with Martinelli far better.

Zubimendi is pretty good with his passing.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mac76

I don't agree, Cala can't defend adequately, certainly not in the LB position (he's possibly slightly better at CB), MLS may not have been at his best v Villareal but I'd have him above Cala every time, both going forward and defending

---

My stream has been buggy, so I've seen like little snippets of the game and I did see a bit of Cali's cockups.

However, he is stronger defensively than MLS and what I mean by that is a Sesko or Mbuemo bearing down on MLS or Zinchenko is far more scary than imagining this scenario with Cali.

So IMO, especially if we don't go a goal down early, I'd start him over MLS as he's definitely stronger.

I think today ends the argument that Havertz is superior in the air over Goku, or that he is average by any standard.

Good strength by Havertz there, his improved physique is really paying off.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 21_GOONER_SALUTE

I think today ends the argument that Havertz is superior in the air over Goku, or that he is average by any standard.

---

Agreed :good:

Much better, who'd have thought it would be a good idea to play Gyok with our first-choice midfield :rolleyes:

Man U will be a tougher test obvs, but it gives some hope

Zubi looked much better, Madueke looked decent, Mosq good again

Oh and ofc Saka played 90 mins, some things never change...

Madueke scores this time

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mac76

Oh and ofc Saka played 90 mins, some things never change...

---

:lol:

Arteta won't be happy till he's got him in a wheelchair.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 21_GOONER_SALUTE

:lol:

Arteta won't be happy till he's got him in a wheelchair.

---

Well Ben White did try :lol:

Befitting that Zubi scored the winning penalty.

I think he was MOTM by a mile today.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dazthegooner

Well Ben White did try :lol:

---

Ha, true :lol:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Letters

Didn't you post something similar about 2 days into the transfer window when I thought it was a bit early to call the whole window a fiasco.
That said, HCZ's point about the way we are playing is of more concern. I actually think we've done pretty good business this summer but if we play the same shit as we did for much of last season then it won't yield much.

---

Two separate things.

I still would like us to do our business a bit earlier, then the players are in and training and don't have to get up to match fitness a couple of games before we start the season (like Gyokores for example).

But I agree, our style of play was fucking awful last season and there has been little change from what I've seen in preseason. I am more concerned with that but what I posted highlights why - it's only preseason, but it's useful game time for Arteta to start implementing a better style of play that is more effective. Something which he appears to not have done.
If we keep doing the same thing we won't see the benefit of the new players we have.