Mikel Arteta says he’s pleased with the way Arsenal’s pre-season preparations have played out as they rounded off their summer schedule with a 2-0 win over Lyon to secure the Emirates Cup.
The Gunners produced a dominant performance from start to finish winning the game through first half headers by centre-back duo Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba. Declan Rice registered the assist on each occasion thanks to dangerous in-swinging corners.
Arsenal had plenty of opportunities to extend their lead but despite lots of promising and intricate play in the final third, the finishing left a bit to be desired.
Having also secured wins over Leyton Orient, Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen in the last few weeks, and been given decent workouts by Bournemouth and Liverpool, attention now turns to the start of the new campaign.
“A really good test today again,” was Arteta’s assessment in his post-game press conference.
“I think overall it has been a really positive pre-season with the tour that the club and a lot of people put a lot of effort to make it work and I think it was a success again. And then the two games that we played here as well, really competitive and really good.
“I think the team was exceptional, especially in the first half. There are moments that we play at the highest level and then we sort of maintain it. We dropped a little bit in the second half. The conditions were tough, but it was a good one for us as well. So overall, very pleased.”
He added: “We are constantly evolving everything that we’ve done. Today we scored two from set pieces, which is great because it gives us confidence, it gives us again a platform, a different threat and worry for the opponent.
“But we could have scored a lot of goals in many different situations in the game, which was really pleasing to see as well. So, continue to work, continue to evolve and be unpredictable.”
In the second half, Riccardo Calafiori came off the bench for his Emirates bow. He started at left-back but quickly moved to the centre of defence as Arteta introduced more substitutes to proceedings.
As Arsenal’s biggest signing of the summer (so far), he was given a very warm welcome by the Arsenal fans.
“I just love it,” said Arteta of their reaction. “When the fans support us and react like that to one of our own, it’s great, you know, the way you feel straight away, it’s love, he’s respected. They are right behind you and that’s an unbelievable platform for any player to join our club.
“He brings a lot of versatility,” added the boss. “He can play in two or three different positions and especially in attack occupy different spaces, then because he’s a real defender.
“When you see his presence, his physicality, how he goes to the duels, he’s unbelievable. And then obviously that he’s done a lot last year and I think he’s a player that can improve us.”
Arsenal are expected to be busy in what remains of the transfer window both buying and selling players. After Emile Smith Rowe’s departure for Fulham, it’s expected that Eddie Nketiah will move to Marseille. In terms of incoming, negotiations continue with Real Sociedad as Sporting Director Edu looks to get a deal over the line for Spain international Mikel Merino.
As always, when asked about players leaving the club, Arteta kept his cards close to his chest.
“All the players that are here, the biggest chance is that they stay with us. That’s why they are here.”
For what it’s worth, Nketiah was included in today’s squad but wasn’t used.
Calafiori is a beast, looking forward to him playing a lot this season. Getting another forward that can make a difference would be great.
We need a quality RW that can compete with Saka. This along with the no 8/10 position is where we need more firepower.
But there are lot of versatile players like Havertz, Jesus, Viera, Rice that can do the job but I will say if we get Merino all we need is a quality RW.
Jesus does the job at the RW. Money can well be spent on conventional attacking option
Finding the right forward would also be great.
Two main requirements: big space player to stretch the field and ball striking for goal threat. Basically the pace and power forward, or the pitch stretching chaos causing dribble heavy winger. Leao, Gyokeres and Osimhen fit the bill best for what we need, but all three are prohibitively expensive. Sane on the list too especially if Bayern end up with Doue (in addition to Olise), good relationship with MA; or if we want to gamble on potential then there is Doue himself or Mathys Tel at Bayern, who might want a new challenge if another star arrives in his age… Read more »
We seem to be, at the moment, being linked with Kingsley Coman from Bayern on a loan deal. If the rumour is true?
Could be the long-term plan is to go back in for the young Slovenian guy in 12 months time and Coman fills that gap for a year?
Ya I agree we need a 9 and use jesus as rotation forward . I think it’s been a little disrespectful to the job trossard has done that he never gets a mention but Gabi Mart will have a job on his hands to keep LW and if he’s not starting on LW then he and jesus can compete for RW Saka sub role. Sane be a nice to have with experience etc but still need a 9 . Toney is always mentioned but don’t think they see his mentality fit in with what we require from squad. At same… Read more »
Looked into Coman. 28 with two years left on his deal. Big time wages. Coming off of an injury riddled season. Bayern clearly want to sell. Profile wise, fits some of what we need: powerful, balanced frame, can operate in small and large spaces. Works hard out of possession, ace on the counter press. On the negative side I’m underwhelmed by his ball striking and instincts around the box, seems to scuff a lot or hesitate in big moments. There’s a whole lot of Gabriel Jesus about this player for better and for worse. I think we could do better… Read more »
A very enjoyable afternoon in the sunshine, Lyon were good preparation for Wolves and dealing with a low block for most of the game. A bit of sharpness still needed up front but overall a useful exercise. Ethan and Myles looked very much at home…
Rice, who has proven all year that he’s just about the best corner-taker in the league, didn’t take a single one in the euros. One of the many reasons Gareth Southgate is no longer employed
Recent serious info re. Marseille closing a deal to recruit Wahi does sound like Nketiah won’t join them…