Inside Arsenal’s Dubai Camp: Set-Piece Precision, Saka’s Surge, WAGs Bonding, Rising Academy Talent, and Havertz Reaction

Arsenal’s Dubai Reset: Can History Repeat Itself in Premier League Title Race?

After a December slump last season derailed their title hopes, Arsenal’s mid-season trip to Dubai in January 2024 sparked a stunning revival. The Gunners won 16 of their final 18 Premier League games, scoring 53 goals and conceding just nine, to push Manchester City to the final day. Now, with Mikel Arteta’s side seven points behind Liverpool, they’ve returned to the Nad Al Sheba complex in Dubai, aiming to reignite another late-season surge.

The Dubai Blueprint

Last year’s warm-weather training camp focused on team bonding, family integration, and set-piece mastery—strategies that paid dividends. This year’s trip, prompted by a lighter schedule after their FA Cup exit, mirrored those goals. The state-of-the-art Nad Al Sheba facility—equipped with altitude chambers, cryotherapy, and performance labs—has become a hub for elite athletes, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford.

Arsenal’s squad trained at the Nad Al Sheba complex, hoping to replicate last season’s post-Dubai form.

Injury Woes Cast a Shadow

The trip wasn’t all sunshine. Kai Havertz suffered a season-ending hamstring injury during training, compounding a crisis for Arsenal’s depleted attack. Bukayo Saka (targeting a late March return), Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Jesus are also sidelined, leaving Leandro Trossard, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, and loanee Raheem Sterling as Arteta’s only fit forwards.

Saka’s light training in Dubai offered hope, though his return remains weeks away.

Academy Integration

With first-team options thin, academy stars like 15-year-old Max Dowman impressed during drills. Despite FA age rules barring him from senior matches this season, Dowman trained alongside Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, signaling a bright future.

Teenager Max Dowman trained with the first team, continuing Arsenal’s youth-development focus.

Set-Piece Mastery

Arsenal’s dead-ball efficiency has been a weapon this season, and coaches doubled down on inventive routines in Dubai. With goals drying up from open play, set-pieces could prove crucial in their title bid.

Family Bonds Boost Morale

Arteta again invited players’ families to Dubai, reinforcing the camaraderie that fueled last year’s run. Wives and partners, including Helene Spilling (Martin Ødegaard) and Tolami Benson (Bukayo Saka), joined sessions,