Merino insists winning is not the most important thing in pre-season

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·31 juillet 2025

Merino insists winning is not the most important thing in pre-season

Arsenal suffered a narrow defeat in their pre-season encounter against Tottenham this afternoon, but Mikel Merino has stressed that there are more important aspects of football than simply winning. Despite the loss, the midfielder believes the team can take several positives from the outing as they continue to prepare for the upcoming campaign.

The Gunners faced a Tottenham side that is not only a fierce rival but also a direct competitor in the Premier League. Unlike Arsenal, who have been under close scrutiny during pre-season, Spurs have faced relatively modest opposition and have not maintained a perfect record. This led many supporters to expect a win for Arsenal in what was the first North London Derby played outside of England.

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Spurs Take the Result but Arsenal Focus on the Bigger Picture

The match drew significant attention from fans around the world and was seen as more than a routine friendly due to the historical rivalry between the clubs. Arsenal controlled large portions of the game but were unable to convert their dominance into goals, with Spurs ultimately securing the win.

Although the result was not what Arsenal had hoped for, it remains a non-competitive fixture. The team now returns from Asia with several lessons and experiences gained, which Merino believes are just as crucial as the scoreboard.

Speaking to Arsenal Media, Merino said:

“It’s not the result we wanted.

“Obviously, winning is a priority for us, but in pre-season, there are other things that have a lot of value, like getting fit, keeping that connection with the fans here in this amazing city.

“We adapted quickly to the pitch, to the opponent, I think we dominated most of the game. The result is obviously the worst part, but we have to take the positives.”

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

Merino Encourages Emphasis on Preparation Over Results

Merino’s perspective reflects a broader understanding of pre-season objectives, which extend beyond match outcomes. While victory would have been welcomed, Arsenal’s focus remains on overall readiness, fitness and tactical sharpness as they gear up for what promises to be a demanding season. The emphasis is now on continuing to improve and ensuring the team is fully prepared when competitive fixtures resume.

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