(Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta pinpoints the main positives his team has from their Asia tour

Originally posted on Just Arsenal | By Admin Martin | Last updated Aug 2, 2025 4:00 AM ET

Arsenal have concluded their pre-season tour of Asia, which formed a key part of their preparations for the upcoming campaign. The tour ended on a disappointing note with a defeat to fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur in a match that marked the first North London Derby played outside of England.

The fixture carried a competitive edge despite its friendly status, with both sides eager to claim the win. Mikel Arteta’s team gave their all in pursuit of victory but were ultimately unable to secure the desired result.

Focus Remains on the Season Ahead

While the loss to Spurs will sting for supporters, Arsenal’s focus must now return to the broader objectives of the season. Tottenham will be just one of 19 opponents they face in the Premier League, and the outcome of a single pre-season fixture should not overshadow the valuable insights gained during the tour.

The Gunners will continue their preparations in the coming weeks, working to refine their tactical approach and improve fitness levels before the competitive fixtures begin. With expectations high and ambitions clear, fans will be hoping to see a strong response when the league campaign gets underway.

Arteta Reflects on Tour and Areas for Improvement

Speaking about the team’s experience during the Asian tour, Mikel Arteta provided an honest assessment of what his squad had taken from the trip. As quoted by Arsenal Media, Arteta said:

“But we missed something you know in certain moments, that preciseness, that moment that unlocks the result and the moment to turn the result and win the match but in terms of attitude, the desire, level of organisation in the team, it was great. We have to continue to elevate all the individual aspects.”

The tour offered more than match experience, giving Arteta and his coaching staff the chance to assess the squad’s readiness and identify areas for development. While progress has been made, the manager is clear that further improvement is required, both individually and collectively, in the weeks ahead..

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This article first appeared on Just Arsenal and was syndicated with permission.

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