Following on from an underwhelming performance in Las Vegas in their 0-2 defeat to Manchester United, Arsenal and Mikel Arteta would have been hoping to end their pre-season USA tour on a high, and that’s exactly what they did with an impressive display in an action-packed encounter against FC Barcelona in Los Angeles.
MIkel Arteta started with a strong XI, however there was the notable absence of record signing Declan Rice who was out with a tight calf – however the issue is thought to only be a precaution. Signings Jurren Timber and Kai Havertz started and Thomas Partey returned to the starting eleven.
The game started with a high intensity, however it would be the team from Catalonia that would break the deadlock in the opening minutes. Captain Martin Odegaard lost the ball in the midfield and Barcelona pounced with pace, the ball squared to Raphinha but despite a great save from Ramsdale, the Arsenal goalkeeper couldn’t prevent his side going behind as the ball fell kindly for Lewandowski to tap home into an empty net. Despite going behind, Arsenal continued to show intent and got their equaliser only a few minutes later as a defensive mistake meant Saka could break through and slot the ball past Ter-Stegen to equalise the game.
Saka’s goal sparked a new sense of confidence about Arsenal and Mikel Arteta’s team started to dominate the game, and should have took the lead when a Barcelona defender was judged by the referee to handle the ball in the penalty area, however Saka unfortunately dragged his spot kick wide of Ter-Stegen’s left post.
Arsenal’s dominance was without reward as they couldn’t find that second goal and it was Barcelona who would take the lead again against the run of play. The Spanish side won a free kick around 30 yards from goal and with the help of a deflection, Aaron Ramsdale was left hopeless as the ball found it’s way into the back of his net. However, Arsenal would hit back quickly again when Kai Havertz poked home Martin Odegaard’s header from close range at the back post. The German would come off at the break to conclude by far his best display so far in a red shirt.
The second half started in a similar fashion the how the first ended, with Arsenal showing great intent both with and without the ball. This was rewarded when the Gunners took the lead for the first time of the night as Leandro Trossard smashed in an effort into the bottom corner following great hold-up play from Gabriel Jesus. The Belgian had been impressive all game and deserved that goal. But it wouldn’t end there for Trossard as he’d get his second and Arsenal’s fourth when he volleyed Kieren Tierney’s cross into the bottom corner to cap off an excellent display from the Belgian.
There were still action to come in the final stages however as Ferran Torres capitalised on a Rob Holding error to cut the deficit to 4-3, but any hopes of a last minute comeback was ended minutes later as Fabio Vieria smashed a fantastic effort from outside the box into the top corner. The young Portugese getting on the scoresheet following his disappointing night against Manchester United and his goal capped off a really strong performance all round from Mikel Arteta’s Gunners.
The game sees the 2023 USA tour come to a close for Arsenal as they head back to London to prepare for their return to Emirates Stadium for the Emirates Cup against AS Monaco.