Martin Keown claims Arsenal are ‘on the beach’ during their warm-weather training in Dubai

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Martin Keown Says Arsenal Are ‘On the Beach’ Amid Warm-Weather Training Trip to Dubai – But Stresses It’s a Good Thing.

Arsenal legend Martin Keown has commented on his old club’s warm-weather training trip to Dubai, suggesting that Arsenal are “on the beach” but emphasizing that it’s a positive development. The football idiom “on the beach” typically refers to a team that has let their standards drop or isn’t performing to the best of their abilities. However, Keown used it to suggest that Arsenal are enjoying a much-needed rest.

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Arsenal recently headed to Dubai for a warm-weather training camp after their Carabao Cup semi-final loss to Newcastle United. The timing of the trip was perfect as Arsenal did not have an FA Cup fixture, giving them a 10-day gap between matches. This break has allowed the squad to recharge and focus on their Premier League campaign.

Keown highlighted the benefits of this break, especially considering the intense fixture schedule that other teams are facing. “Maybe that’ll help them, actually, going forward,” Keown told talkSPORT. “With the amount of games other teams are having to play, we’ve said that Arsenal are on a beach somewhere. It may have been a blessing.”

Keown also pointed out that Liverpool, one of Arsenal’s main title rivals, had to play an extra game and suffered a shock elimination to Plymouth. This has given Arsenal a slight advantage in terms of rest and recovery.

The squad has been continuing their hard work at the NAS Sports Complex training pitches in Dubai, with academy youngsters learning from first-team players. Keown’s comments suggest that this break could be beneficial for Arsenal as they aim to maintain their title challenge.