Following on from draws against Watford and FC. Nurnberg, Arsenal flew out to the United States Of America for their pre-season tour. Mikel Arteta was boosted with the arrivals of Jurren Timber from Ajax and record signing Declan Rice who were both signed in time to feature on the tour for The Gunners.
In their bold and bright new away kit, Arsenal’s first test in the USA was against the MLS All-Stars. Managed by Manchester United and Premier League legend Wayne Rooney and featuring former Aston Villa, Liverpool and Crystal Palace Cristian Benteke, As well as former Barcelona midfielder Rigui Puig. The All-Stars certainly had talent within their squad, however Mikel Arteta’s side showed their class as they cruised to a 0-5 win.
Just like the match in Germany, Mikel Arteta started with a strong XI, and Arsenal got off to the perfect start when in the opening minutes Gabriel Jesus – who wore the armband for Arsenal in the first half – brilliantly chipped All-Stars goalkeeper Roman Burki from the edge of the box to give Arsenal the lead. This lead was doubled midway through the first period as Leandro Trossard smashed home superbly from outside the area following on from another Bukayo Saka assist. The Belgian was one of the stars of the show before he was substituted with a minor injury in the second half. Jakub Kiwior once again featured in the inverted left-back role and impressed, while WIlliam Saliba looked back to his previous best on his return from his back injury.
New signing Kai Havertz entered the pitch at the interval, however it would be his former Chelsea teammate to get things going for the North Londoners as Arsenal were awarded a penalty straight away following the restart and Jorginho calmly slotted home the spotkick with his trademark hopped run up. On the hour mark, Gooners got what they were waiting for when new signings TImber and Rice entered the pitch. Both looked good on their first appearance for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal with TImber especially really impressing showing his technical ability on the ball as he looks to break into Arsenal’s starting XI ahead of the upcoming season. Declan Rice showed a calmness on the ball as he strolled through the midfield with ease.
Arsenal’s fourth was added when captain Martin Odegaard found Gabriel Martinelli who ran through and slotted the ball cleanly past substitute goalkeeper Miller. The Brazilian winger making his first Gunners appearance since coming off injured in the 0-3 defeat at home to Brighton. And in the final stages, a cross from Marquinhos found Kai Havertz at the back post who volleyed the ball into the back of the net to get his first goal for Arsenal. The German is someone who is going to experience a lot of pressure following his somewhat unexpected move across London however this goal will give the new man a strong feel of confidence, much needed ahead of the season.
Arsenal fans don’t need to wait too long to see their team in action again in the USA. WIth Manchester United acting as the next test in pre-season as it’s hoped the new signings will get a further run-out.