Arsenal made it four wins from four in pre-season as a strong second half performance secured a 1-3 victory over their American opponents Orlando City, after what was an initial poor first-half showing.
Mikel Arteta decided to field a starting XI primarily made up of fringe players – with the exception of Gabriel Martinelli, Eddie Nketiah and the returning Aaron Ramsdale – with the wish that they will prove their worth with a point to prove. However, this did not prove to be the case.
Arsenal however did make a strong start to the contest. With Martinelli’s deflected strike giving the Gunners an early lead in the opening minutes. But this was later cancelled out by a long distance strike from Orlando’s Torres after getting the better of Nuno Tavares. The left-back not the only Arsenal defender who struggled in the first half. As both sides went into the break locked at 1-1.
As expected, Mikel Arteta opted for multiple substitutes during half-time. With Gabriel Jesus, Ben White, Matt Turner, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel all entering the play. This immediately made a difference as Gabriel Jesus almost gave Arsenal the lead. The Gunners continued to dominant the second half and were finally rewarded for their efforts as in the 65th minute Eddie Nketiah pounced on a loose ball in the box to give Arsenal a 1-2 advantage.
In the last minutes of the match – Reiss Nelson finished off a very nice team move from Arsenal to all but confirm victory at 1-3. The match was very much a game of two very different halves as the second half substitutes showed their class against the MLS opposition as Arsenal grew more and more in control as the half went on.
New imminent signing Olexander Zinchenko was in attendance and was seen sitting with technical director Edu whilst taking pictures with Arsenal fans as we await the official announcement of his singing from Arsenal.
Arsenal play Chelsea in the very early hours of Sunday to finish of the USA tour. The Gunners will then play Sevilla back in London on the 30th July in the Emirates Cup to finish of pre-season preparations. Before the real stuff gets underway at Selhurst Park.