How did the team cohesion on and off the pitch contribute to Arsenal’s victories in the U.S.?
The year was 2019, and Arsenal, one of the most successful and storied football clubs in the world, set out to tour the United States. The English Premier League team was scheduled to play a series of friendly matches against some of the top soccer clubs in the U.S. However, what happened during their time in the States was nothing short of a shock to many in the football world.
The Gunners, as they are affectionately known, were coming off a disappointing season in the Premier League, finishing in 5th place and missing out on a coveted spot in the UEFA Champions League. Yet, as they embarked on their tour of the U.S., they seemed determined to use the opportunity to regroup, recharge, and rebuild team chemistry.
As the matches unfolded, the world witnessed an unexpected turn of events. Arsenal, led by their new manager, Unai Emery, managed to secure several stunning victories against their American opponents. Their wins included a 3-0 victory over the Colorado Rapids, a 2-1 triumph over FC Bayern Munich, and a 2-0 win over Fiorentina. These victories left fans and pundits alike in awe of the team’s performance, especially given their lackluster previous season.
So, how did Arsenal manage to shock the world in the USA? Let’s delve into the factors that contributed to their unlikely victories during their tour.
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Tactical Adaptability: Under the guidance of manager Unai Emery, Arsenal displayed a newfound tactical flexibility and adaptability. Emery’s ability to make strategic changes during matches and his emphasis on high pressing and quick transitions allowed the team to catch their opponents off guard.
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Player Development: The tour provided an opportunity for Arsenal’s younger and less experienced players to showcase their talent. Emerging talents such as Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah seized their chances, impressing fans and coaches alike. The tour also gave Emery a chance to instill his philosophy and tactics onto the team, allowing players to adapt and grow within the system.
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Team Cohesion: The tour served as a crucial bonding experience for the Arsenal squad, providing an opportunity for new signings and young prospects to integrate with the rest of the team. The time spent together on and off the pitch helped foster a sense of unity and camaraderie, which undoubtedly contributed to the team’s success.
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Fitness and Conditioning: Pre-season tours are also an important opportunity for teams to work on their physical conditioning ahead of the upcoming season. Arsenal’s commitment to fitness and conditioning was evident in their energetic and dynamic performances, allowing them to outlast their opponents in crucial moments.
The victories that Arsenal achieved in the U.S. brought renewed hope and optimism to fans worldwide. The tour showcased the team’s potential and provided a glimpse of what was to come in the upcoming season. Ultimately, Arsenal’s unlikely victories in the U.S. set the stage for a promising campaign, and the team’s strong showing left a lasting impression on the football world.
Arsenal’s tour of the United States was a resounding success, and their unexpected victories served as a testament to the team’s resilience, adaptability, and potential. The tour not only provided valuable pre-season preparation but also signaled the beginning of a new chapter for the famed football club. As the team returned to England, they carried with them a newfound sense of confidence and determination, ready to tackle the challenges that lay ahead in the Premier League and beyond.
Travelling to the USA as part of our pre-season training has become a normal practice. In the late 1980s, it was a relatively new experience for us. A few months after securing the league title at Anfield by defeating Liverpool 2-0, we traveled to Miami to participate in the Zenith Data Systems Challenge Trophy.
The tournament may not have been the most prestigious honor in our collection, but it was billed as an unofficial world title match against Argentinian champions Independiente. Despite the sweltering Florida heat, George Graham’s side managed to emerge victorious with a 2-1 win, courtesy of a David Rocastle double. This game became a part of the club’s folklore due to our physio being shown a red card for trying to keep the players hydrated.
Gary Lewin, the current head of performance service for our women’s team, was the head physiotherapist for the men’s team at that time. He was sent off during this pre-match friendly in August 1989, marking our second-ever visit to the USA. American referees are not allowed to send off medical staff, but Lewin had to comply with the decision despite his disagreement.
After receiving a letter of apology from the US Football Federation acknowledging their mistake, it was apparent that the incident had become a memorable talking point of the tour.
My duties were taken over by Vic Akers, who was the kitman at the time, after I was sent off. This unusual turn of events led to my family’s laughter, especially since I had never been sent off as a player before becoming a physiotherapist.
Following the incident, the game was plagued by several stoppages and yellow cards. Despite the physical approach displayed by the South American side, we ultimately secured the victory with a score of 2-1, and claimed the ZDS Challenge Trophy.
This trip to the USA proved to be a learning experience for us, particularly in dealing with travel, jet lag, and acclimatization. Our group was relatively small, consisting of only four full-time members of staff, raising concerns about action plans for emergencies and injuries.
Fast forward to the present, and the USA has become a regular pre-season destination for both our men’s and women’s teams. The experience and templates from past tours have greatly contributed to the success of our current training camps.
With the benefit of all that experience, our women’s team will embark on a significant pre-season tour this year. We hope that the physios will not experience a repeat of being sent off this time.