As far as first matches on US Tours go, everyone associated with the team was satisfied with how things went against Bournemouth.
Smiles could be seen everywhere in the tunnel area after the match. Karl Hein was pleased to be the penalty hero. Fabio Vieira acknowledged his delight at scoring such a nice strike. Mikel Arteta looked like a proud father after seeing his children glow with pleasure at representing our first team – though not as much as Josh Nichols’ mother, whose reaction went viral on social media and made her the star of the show in Tinseltown.
Everyone appeared to be satisfied in some way, which allowed the group to take a well-deserved day off from training on Thursday. Their ranks have been increased by the arrivals of Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel, who arrived in LA in the evening, eager to join up with teammates on and off the field and take our preseason plans to the next level.
As with the cut and thrust of Premier League action, our attention has quickly shifted to our next opponents and a significant occasion. Games against Manchester United thrill any Gooner’s spirit, and after two memorable victory against them last season, our US-based fans will be eager to see one of their own.
Dignity Health Sports Park was a wonderful place to visit, unlike traditional English stadiums, with a grass bank at one end, food and drink businesses overlooking the pitch, and the sun shining through the roofless stands. But, having never been to SoFi Stadium, I can’t wait to be a small speck within a massive cathedral of sport, the newest addition to any fan’s bucket list.
We’re fortunate to have it as our home away from home, and like with Barcelona last season, we’ll be looking for a fairytale finish in Hollywood.
Pre-season is all about moving through the gears, and this tour feels the same way. Our next game will be against greater competitors, in a bigger venue, with a bigger crowd – now that’s something to be happy about.
In the previous blog, we asked you to name the four American players who have played for us on our four American tours. The answers are Gedion Zelalem, Matt Turner, Auston Trusty, and Folarin Balogun.
This time, we want to know if you can remember the five players who have played for both us and Manchester United during the Premier League period. Check out tomorrow’s blog for the solution!
