LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 27: (EDITORS NOTE: Image was altered with digital filters and was shot on a mobile phone) A general view outside the stadium prior to the UEFA Europa League round of 32 second leg match between Arsenal FC and Olympiacos FC at Emirates Stadium on February 27, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Betting

How Arsenal’s pre-season was a big success

Aug 28, 2024

While pre-season might not mean too much in terms of success, Arsenal can reflect on theirs as one that went in the best possible way for the club ahead of the upcoming Premier League season.

Mikel Arteta’s side will need to be in top form this season if they are to challenge Manchester City for the title once again, with the Spaniard making a claim that they’ll have to win every match they play if they are to have a chance.

Indeed, this is something that bettors may also believe when considering betting opportunities on the EPL. The league is one of the top sport betting markets for many, with it widely regarded as the world’s best football competition. Arsenal are one of those sides that have managed to create this reputation over many decades, and the last few years have seen them back at their best.

What has made Arsenal’s pre-season a success?

The club had a mixed bag of results when it came to their tour of the USA, although it would have proven to have been a commercial success for the Gunners. Fans would have come from far and wide to watch them take to the pitch, as they began their preparations for the upcoming campaign.

The USA tour did see defeats to Liverpool and Manchester United (the latter being a penalty shootout after winning in regular time 2-1), but these matches will have been more about getting minutes into the legs of players and allowing some individuals to return to the pitch after long periods out. A win against Bournemouth in penalties would have also been deemed the same, as would the impressive 4-1 routing of Bayer Leverkusen at the Emirates Stadium.

Pre-season did provide Arsenal with a trophy, though, as they won the Emirates Cup after defeating Lyon 2-0. It was a strong side that Arteta decided to play, and it could be the perfect way for the club to begin their Premier League season, starting at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Was pre-season good for Arsenal’s newest recruits?

As of the middle of August, the Gunners have been relatively quiet in terms of incoming transfer additions. Most of those to have arrived at the Emirates were already at the club and just away on a temporary deal, while David Raya completed a permanent switch to the club after an impressive season while on loan from Brentford.

Riccardo Calafiori is the only new name to be appearing for Arsenal this summer, with the Italian defender looking impressive during his nation’s short-lived 2024 Euros. The 22-year-old has only had one substitute run out so far for his new club, but after a long summer, he will be hoping to be ready for the Premier League season.

Jurrien Timber isn’t exactly a new signing, but he will feel like one. He suffered a serious cruciate ligament tear in his debut game for the club and managed one appearance before the end of the season. The Dutchman will be looking to start fresh and got some minutes in pre-season before another injury setback. He does look likely to be available for the season opener with Wolves.