Arsenal Strengthening pre-season preparations Manchester United In Los Angeles Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli.
The Brazilians, who are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2023-24 season, each scored a goal to ensure Arsenal’s comeback victory.
After the match, Arsenal went into a penalty shootout, which Manchester United won 4–3. Kai Havertz and Yakub Kiwior.
Faced Bournemouth They’ll face United in Los Angeles, while Arsenal fly to Philadelphia on Sunday for a friendly. Liverpool Wednesday at Lincoln Financial Field.
Athletic Arsenal reporter James McNicholas was at the SoFi Stadium to provide immediate analysis of the friendly win over Erik ten Hag’s Arsenal.
Has Jesus regained his glory?
Arsenal are still hoping to strengthen their attacking line this summer but it will not be easy to bring in a better player than the in-form, released Jesus.
While many of his teammates have been dispersed for international duty, Jesus has been working hard to improve his fitness, with the aim of recapturing the brilliant form that saw him join Arsenal in the summer of 2022.
Jesus has scored just four goals in 27 games Premier League He featured sparingly last season – his finishing was an issue, a lingering knee injury limited his opportunities and influence and fitness was also an issue – and Arsenal were considering an offer for the 27-year-old in the summer transfer window but no suitable suitor emerged.
That’s not a problem for manager Mikel Arteta, who values Jesus’ character, versatility and tactical intelligence, and Arsenal will be stronger if Jesus can stay fit and return to his best.
“He looks really good,” Arteta said. “He’s really sharp. He changed a lot over the summer and is back in top form again. If you have that baseline you can build other things on but without that foundation you don’t have a player. He has to be in that condition to get the best out of himself. He understands that and I was really pleased with what he showed again today.”
So the question arises: what has changed?
“That’s his problem, but I know it, it’s a fact. You can see it in his facial expressions, his rhythm, his sharpness, the way he moves. And you can see the sparkle in his eyes again, because he has something to prove. That’s a good thing.”
Nuwaneri is of Which Academy players will break out?
Ethan Nwaneri impressed in both of Arsenal’s friendlies (Ronaldo Martinez/Getty Images)
The recent departure of several key players from Arsenal’s academy has sparked discussion about whether the famous Hale End line-up is drying up.
But evidence from this tour suggests the next generation is beginning to permeate Arteta’s squad.
The 17-year-old impressed in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth. Ethan Nwaneri He maintained his position in midfield, this time playing as a left wing number eight. Martin Odegaard Operate to the right, Jorginho We support you from deep within.
The teenager produced another encouraging performance, running in behind and crossing at the post to set up Jesus for the equaliser – there was a suggestion for offside, but United’s protests were ignored.
Another 17-year-old Aiden Havenstarting at centre-back Julian TimberlandHeaven was defeated by force Rasmus Hojlund Despite conceding an early goal to United, they recovered well afterwards, settling into the match and showing their prowess on the ball.
But that wasn’t the end of Arsenal’s Academy exploits. Miles Lewis SkellySalah Eddin Wlad Muhand and Josh Nichols.
Arteta has plenty of wide options
Reiss Nelson He is looking good again and continues to be linked with a possible move to a club like; West Ham United or Leicester City.
Nelson’s departure could have opened the door for new recruits, but Arsenal’s existing wide players used the friendly to make their case. Nelson, making his first pre-season start, Leandro Trossard He was a constant threat on the left.
He was replaced by Martinelli, who broke inside down the left wing and scored the winner at the near post. Like Jesus, Martinelli was far from his best last season and was eventually replaced by Trossard. His speed and directness added a new dimension to Arsenal’s attack and he will be hoping to return to his best now that he is fully recovered from a deep heel cut that has held him back for the rest of the Premier League season.
Fabio Vieira He could also be considered as a wide option next season. For the second consecutive game, he has been deployed in a right-wing role in a front three. It has been impressive to see Arteta play Vieira out wide and less experienced options like Nwaneri and Vlad Muhando in more central areas. Perhaps playing on the wing will make Vieira’s defensive weaknesses less obvious.
What’s next for Arsenal?
Wednesday, July 31: Liverpool (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), 7pm ET, midnight BST
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(Top photo: Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)
