The Digest:Despite Arsenal's 1–0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in their final pre-season match in Hong Kong, manager Mikel Arteta maintains a positive outlook for the upcoming season. He expressed confidence in the squad's progress, emphasizing that the experience will serve them well for the challenges ahead in the Premier League.
Key Points:
- Arteta acknowledges the loss left a "bad taste" but remains upbeat about the team's development.
- The match marked Arsenal's only defeat during their Asia tour, with a solid performance seen overall.
- Arteta commended his squad's progress, saying they were ahead of expectations in several areas.
- £64 million signing Viktor Gyokeres made his debut but had a quiet cameo, which Arteta sees as a stepping stone.
- Young defender Cristhian Mosquera was praised for his solid performance in the latter part of the match.
- Injury updates: Gabriel Magalhães, Riccardo Calafiori, and Jurrien Timber are expected to be fit for the season opener.
- Arteta confirmed that Arsenal will complete their pre-season with friendlies against Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao before facing Manchester United.
Sources: BBC, Arsenal Official Website
