Arsenal’s pre-season USA tour came to a close and they crossed back over to London with a perfect record as Mikel Arteta’s side thrashed rivals Chelsea 4-0 with goals from Gabriel Jesus, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Sambi Lokonga. Bringing home the Florida cup in style.
Arsenal came flying out of the blocks instantly. Showing a strong willingness to press Chelsea from the front, something which has proved to be a theme of our pre-season games so far this summer. This helped Arsenal completely dominate the opening stages which led to the first goal. Arsenal pressed Chelsea’s backline, forcing a mistake which then led to Granit Xhaka playing a pass through to Gabriel Jesus who expertly chipped the ball over Mendy to give the Gunners a deserved 1-0 lead. However, 20 minutes later things got even better for Arsenal as Gabriel Martinelli found Martin Odegaard making a great run into the box the Norwegian struck the ball low and hard into the Chelsea net to double the lead heading into halftime. Chelsea left shellshocked
The half-time substitutes brought some life into Thomas Tuchel’s side, but Arsenal’s remained strong and organised at the back. With William Saliba in particular reviewing rave reviews after another extremely strong and confident performance. Despite this, Chelsea couldn’t find a way through and Arsenal took advantage. With Bukayo Saka showing quick reactions to strike home after an initial double save from Mendy. Giving Arsenal a commanding 3-0 lead. This is how it remained until the dying moments as a superb cross from Cedric was headed in by Sambi Lokonga to round off a perfect performance from Arsenal which will leave Mikel Arteta very pleased and encouraged as we head towards the start of the season.
New signing Olexander Zinchenko made his first appearance in red and white only two days after officially signing for the Gunners. The Ukrainian played the entirely of the first half at left back and impressed as he looks to fit himself into Arteta’s starting XI.
Arsenal’s next match is the return of the Emirates Cup on Saturday 30th July against Sevilla at Emirates stadium. Being the final official pre-season encounter before the start of the season.