In North London, Arsenal emerged victorious in the Emirates Cup with a score of 2-0 over Lyon, a French association football team.
Defenders William Saliba and Gabriel scored nearly identical goals from two Declan Rice corners, while former Gunner Ainsley Maitland-Niles returned to the starting lineup.
Prior to the commencement of the Premier League the following weekend, Mikel Arteta’s team concluded their preseason in an ideal format.
The following is Jordan Davies’ assessment of Arsenal’s performance at the Emirates Stadium.
DAVID RAYA – sixIt would have been feasible to remain on the sidelines for the majority of the game and refrain from conceding.
Said Benrahma’s lines were fluffed from a perilous cross after a tense moment.
His first real save came in the 84th minute after a Jorginho error.
William Saliba opened the scoring inside nine minutes
While Gabriel’s copy-cat header doubled Arsenal’s lead in the 27th minute
BEN WHITE – 7
Such is his quality and knowledge of his role that he can drift through games comfortably, never caught out of position and rarely makes a mistake.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 8
Composed in both boxes. Barely broke sweat in defence and celebrated a simple headed finish from a corner inside the opening 10 minutes.
8Saliba started despite only returning to training this weekCredit: PA
GABRIEL – 8
When he runs in the opposition box at speed, with his power and physicality, there is no one in world football stopping him.
A fine header from a corner after spinning to the back post.
OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO – 7
Dictated on the ball well and pushed high with Lyon struggling to get out. Likely to start against Wolves after a solid pre-season.
MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7
Quiet but efficient first half. Should have made it 3-0 with a shot just after the break that was well saved.
8Martin Odegaard starred against former West Ham star Said BenrahmaCredit: Getty
DECLAN RICE – 8
Pressing from the front and showcasing his abilities as Arsenal’s corner taker once more, teeing up Saliba and Gabriel in the opening half an hour.
8Declan Rice’s deliveries picked up from where he left them in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
THOMAS PARTEY – 7
Looks back to his best.
Disruptive in defence and silky with the ball at his feet to spark counters, especially when feeding Saka down the right.
BUKAYO SAKA – 7
Tore Lyon left-back Vinicius Abner to shreds with his darting runs inside and out, having a headed effort saved and another go narrowly wide in the first half.
Smacked the post in the second half. Did everything but score.
8Bukayo Saka was unlucky to not get on the scoresheetCredit: Getty
KAI HAVERTZ – 6
Back as a No.9 after playing in midfield in mid-week and was not as effective. Squandered a decent opening in the 53rd minute.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7
A real livewire performance that just lacked some cutting edge and coolness that is needed if he is to start ahead of Leandro Trossard next weekend, wasting several opportunities in the first half.
Subs:
RICCARDO CALAFIORI (Zinchenko, 65) – 6
Pushed forward well when given the chance and put in some crunching tackles.
Was met with a huge reception from the Emirates crowd.
8Riccardo Calafiori made his Arsenal debutCredit: Getty
GABRIEL JESUS (RICE, 65) – 6
Forced to shake off a painful knock to his left ankle but barely got a sniff with the game winding down.
8Arsenal have a tricky start to the season