A preseason match against Manchester United meant headlines, no matter the stakes.
Even if it was just another friendly, the fans would turn it into something bigger.
Across the aisle, Gabriel Jesus, who had been half-listening, suddenly perked up.
"You think Erik ten Hag is sweating yet?" he joked.
Saka smirked. "Probably writing a whole tactical analysis for a preseason game."
Izan chuckled, shaking his head as the conversation continued.
Outside the window, the sun was beginning to set against the clouds.
A few more hours, and they'd be in the U.S.
......
The long flight finally touched down in Los Angeles, the first stop of Arsenal's preseason tour.
As the players stepped off the plane, the warm Californian air hit them immediately. Even though it was late evening, the temperature was nothing like London.
"Damn," Reiss Nelson muttered, stretching as he walked onto the jet bridge. "It's like stepping into an oven."
