3 semi-meaningless takeaways from Charlton friendly

Arsenal dispatched Charlton 6-0 in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Saturday. Here are three semi-meaningless takeaways from the emphatic victory.

With the Premier League’s restart less than two weeks away, Arsenal travelling to Manchester City to kick off proceedings, the Gunners stepped up their preparations for competitive play this weekend with a behind-closed-doors friendly versus Charlton Athletic. Mikel Arteta’s side dismantled the Championship opposition with a 6-0 victory.

Here are three semi-meaningless takeaways from the win.

Arsenal, David Luiz (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

3. Fitness is getting there

Earlier this month, David Ornstein reported that Arsenal are feeling fit and ready for the Premier League’s restart. Speaking on The Athletic’s The Handbrake Off podcast, he said:

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“They (Arsenal) were one of the first clubs to my knowledge to get equipment sent out by couriers to player’ homes – in terms of treadmills, Wattbikes and weights to make sure they were in the best possible position to keep their levels at a decent state <…> I’ve heard that Arsenal are in pretty good shape, itching to go, the players all enthusiastic <…> From what I’ve heard, the fitness is good, the enthusiasm is good, the training sessions are going well.”

Afterwards, Charlton head coach Lee Bowyer confirmed that Arsenal are a week ahead of his side in terms of preparation and fitness. It certainly showed in the scoreline. The Gunners, it seems, are physically ready for the Premier League’s return. And as we saw with their difficulties in implementing Arteta’s high-pressing style late in games, that is critical.