Starting XI: Turner, Bellerin (C), Walters, Mari, Tierney, Lokonga, Maitland-Niles, Smith Rowe, Pepe, Nketiah, Nelson.
It was an action-packed first game in 22/23 pre season for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal as a second half comeback ensured a 3-5 victory for the Gunners in Germany to kick off preparations ahead of what we hope to be a successful season.
However, the first half was far from what Mikel Arteta would’ve wanted as Arsenal fell 2-0 down to their German hosts as a long range strike from Nurnberg’s Geis opened the scoring – in which new goalkeeper Matt Turner could have done better with on his first Arsenal appearance. The Germans quickly made it two with a powerful finish from Kwadwo Duah spread the gap to two goals. Smith Rowe’s curling strike which was saved by the Nurnberg goalkeeper was the closest Arsenal came in the first half. 17 year-old Reuell Walters made his first appearance for the Arsenal first team and was one of the shining lights in a poor first half showing.
The second half started with Jesus, Elneny, Martinelli and Gabriel coming on for Walters, Pepe, Bellerin and Smith Rowe and Arsenal’s new number 9 wasted no time in getting off the mark for the Gunners, as Gabriel Jesus scored just 90 seconds after coming on to half the deficit. Minutes later, Mohammed Elneny (who wore the captains armband in the second half) unleashed a thunderous strike from almost 30 yards out to draw level at 2-2. An own goal from Nurnberg completed a rapid Arsenal comeback just 12 minutes into the second half with Gabriel Jesus at the heart of it. Another own goal made sure Arsenal led by two goals to make it 2-4 before Nurnberg pulled one back with just over 15 minutes to go through Lukas Schleimer. Despite that, Arsenal’s two goal cushion was rapidly restored as Jesus got his second to make the score 3-5 to end the scoring streak in the second half. Youngsters Charlie Patino and new signing Marqunhos also impressed and here’s hoping that they’ll make a good impression and get some valuble minutes and exprience with the first team this season in the cups and UEFA Europa League.
Arsenal will hope to take this winning form to America as they prepare to play three games in Florida starting with fellow English side Everton on Sunday 17th July.
Player Ratings:
Turner: 4
Bellerin: 6
Walters: 6.5
Mari: 4
Tierney: 5
Lokonga: 5
Maitland-Niles: 6
Pepe: 6
Smith Rowe: 6
Nelson: 6
Nketiah: 6.5
Jesus: 8.5
Elneny: 7
Martinelli: 7
Gabriel: 6
Marquinhos: 6.5
Patino: 7
Balogun: 5
Oulad M’hand: 5
Okonkwo: 5
MOTM: Gabriel Jesus