Pre-Season 2015/16

The team working hard in the Singapore heat:

http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20150714/squad-train-in-singapore-pictures

Martinez, Toral, Zelalem, Willock, Crowley, Iwobi and Akpom do some shopping:

http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20150714/young-players-visit-little-india-pics

GoonerJay29 wrote:
Martinez, Toral, Zelalem, Willock, Crowley, Iwobi and Akpom do some shopping:

http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20150714/young-players-visit-little-india-pics

Little India

The Gunners have brought along a dazzling array of international attacking talent, from Welsh goalscoring midfielder Aaron Ramsey to Spanish playmaker Santi Cazorla to French battering ram Olivier Giroud to English speed demon Theo Walcott but for Singapore striker Sundram is relishing the challenge to stop them in their tracks.
     

http://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/football-sundram-says-no-to-parking-the-bus-against-arsenal

Any video of Arsenal in Singapore?

RealGunner wrote:Any video of Arsenal in Singapore?

Spoiler:

Arsenal team to play Singapore:

Martinez; Debuchy, Mertesacker, Gabriel, Monreal; Coquelin, Flamini; Chamberlain, Wilshere, Iwobi; Akpom

Subs: Szczesny, Bellerin, Crowley, Zelalem, Toral, Willock

Only found this out today, but you can only make six subs in this tournament. So that's why we've only named six subs.

Looking at that squad, my guess is Akpom will be getting 90 minutes, one of the mids will get 90, Szczesny/Martinez/Debuchy/Bellerin will get 45 each.

Flamin-Coq midfield

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I guess arseblog should have a live blog? At work, so can't hunt a stream :/

Btw, you mean 6 subs in the tournament, as in both games togther or for each game??

Guess the big names are reserved for tougher PL opposition in the next match

Six subs per game.

Wenger did say last week the stronger team will play in the second game. All the players in the squad today have been in training since last Monday; the rest didn't come back till Friday, so it makes sense.

Everton and Stoke drew 0-0, so they're going to penalties.

No liveblog on arseblog. Damn. Any suggestions on how to follow the game?

The Telegraph are doing a live blog:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/11740585/Arsenal-vs-Singapore-Select-XI-pre-season-friendly-live.html

Thanks mate!

Watching it live on tv

El Gunner wrote:Watching it live on tv

I'm at work after 4 weeks on vacation. Can't afford that luxury

Hate to rub it in, but I've been on holiday since the end of March

Everton beat Stoke on penalties, so they should, all going well today, be our opponents on Saturday.

I am happy for you! You being on holiday also implies more time for your insightful posts on GL

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I would much rather have player Stoke - they might have offered a stiffer test. Then again, maybe Everton can shake off their lack of identity and lethargy from last season. Man for man, they ought to be a better team than Stoke. Plus we don't get broken legs

A pretty low-key opening ten minutes. Neither team playing with a lot of tempo (it is bloody hot out there). Monreal created the only decent chance so far with a dangerous cross across the six yard box that was well defended.

Wilshere with plenty of touches so far. Not seen a lot of Ox and Iwobi.

As I say that, Iwobi glides past Singapore's defence and has a shot from a tight angle saved. Chamberlain powers down the right side but has his drive stopped by Izzwan (I think) as well.

Their keepers is quite good, apparently.

How rusty do the boys look? Typically pre-season levels?

Also, is Jack playing 10? Ox on left and Iwobi to the right, I guess?

pretty much, this keeper has made some decent saves so far, too many wayward through balls so far, but just getting into things.

There has been a few loose touches and passes, as you'd expect. The mid three have been intense in their pressing - that won't last in these conditions. Iwobi (left) and Ox (right) are being positive on the ball.

Flamini has tried a few cross field passes that have gone to a red shirt. Unfortunately for him we're playing in gold.

Drinks break for the players. It's hot, in case you didn't know.

Current possession: Singapore 52% - 48% Arsenal.

Play resumes, and GOAL! Akpom rounds off a quick counter attack. Ox, Iwobi and Wilshere all involved.

Half-time. Singapore Select XI 0 - 1 Arsenal.

Arsenal been made to work quite hard in that half. Singapore's forward has shown some good movement, and their left winger has given Debuchy a difficult time. They've also been comfortable playing out from the back and have had more possession at times.

It's all about fitness, though, and I'm sure a bit of defending wouldn't do the team any harm. The attack has been disjointed but what do you expect when you're trying to build through Coq-Flam? Got the goal, nonetheless. A decent counter-attack finished by pre-season legend Akpom.

All eyes on who comes off now. The kids are waiting to be unleashed.

Hoping Crowley comes on for Jack