Mikel Arteta, his team, and the Arsenal players are all enjoying some time away from the everyday pressures of English football. It is much needed.
With a free week and the chance to recharge the batteries before an end-of-season push over 14 Premier League matches and then the return of Europe, it is a true blessing. Following on from the disappointment of crashing out of the Carabao Cup at the hands of Newcastle United, a trip to Dubai only seems appropriate.
It was this voyage last winter that sparked a dramatic uptick in form and confidence. Arteta knows that anything but a repeat will leave his side stagnating for the season.
Lewis-Skelly noticed
Thomas Tuchel and his England staff are already making plans to callup Myles Lewis-Skelly for the March internationals. It is claimed that he is being closely monitored by the new Three Lions boss despite being yet to feature for the Under-20 or Under-21 side.
Lewis-Skelly has raced through the Arsenal academy setup and is now an undroppable first-team feature for Arteta. He has been tipped to be part of the 2026 World Cup squad after recent form.
