For Arsenal fans located in the States, it's been a long time coming to see their beloved club return after COVID-19 meant the original tour was cancelled back in July last year, but it's safe to say that it was worth the wait. Three wins in three games certainly represent a successful week and a half for the squad and supporters, with the 4-0 win over Chelsea undoubtedly the most impressive display.
It also presented the opportunity to see some of the new signings in action, including Gabriel Jesus, Matt Turner, Marquinhos and even Oleksandr Zinchenko on the final day. However, although the performances and results on the pitch are, of course, encouraging, it's also what happens off it that can often be the most important.
More details of the squad's time in America have emerged since they landed back in London on Sunday morning, and one, in particular, could have huge benefits for the upcoming season. Granit Xhaka and Rob Holding explained to The Athletic how improving the team harmony, and togetherness was a focal part of the tour.
READ MORE: Edu accelerates Arsenal sales to 'complete' Mikel Arteta's sixth summer deal before new season
"The tour helps a lot," Xhaka said. "You are nearly 24-7 together. We are eating breakfast, lunch, dinner, always together, but not only for us players, but as well for the other people that are here around because we don't see them normally a lot in the training ground. And it's good to see who is doing the work, why and who is helping us."
As Xhaka then highlighted, the winter training camp in January led to better results, and now he believes the time in America can have a similar effect. "When we went to Dubai, we had the same people around us as well, and when we came back, we had a lot of good games, a lot of points."
Despite there being a growing contingent of Portuguese-speaking players who were often grouped together, efforts were made to ensure everyone had the chance to spend time with different people from within the club. "Everyone mixes together," said Holding. "We made sure of that with our seating plans for dinners and lunches.
"We've mixed it up, so each day, two of the players will sort out the table plan. So you'll get two players, two members of the coaching staff, and some of the club media staff, and you're mingling with different people all the time. It means you get to know them personally and their families. It gives you a bit more togetherness."
As Xhaka, Holding, and their Arsenal teammates prepare for a crucial 2022/23 campaign after the painful conclusion to last season, installing a greater sense of togetherness, friendship, and chemistry will be incredibly important to Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard's pre-season plans were thrown into chaos last year, the squad was incomplete, and the environment in the dressing room still wasn't perfect.
Now, he has a strong team of players and staff that will be more motivated than ever before. There will be an acceptance that further work needs to be done to get to where they ultimately want to be, but ensuring the group is united heading into that opening game at Crystal Palace can go a long way in kickstarting things off on the right track.
READ NEXT:
Aaron Ramsdale can request the perfect gift as Arsenal move one step closer to £8m transfer
Edu receives boost over major Arsenal sale to continue Mikel Arteta's £120m spending spree
Arsenal make Youri Tielemans transfer decision as Edu 'reaches agreement' for Juventus star
William Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko in Mikel Arteta's Arsenal plans for Crystal Palace opener
Every word Edu said on Arsenal's sales policy, Raphinha transfer and Bukayo Saka's contract
