Arsenal’s preseason started with a considerably disappointing shootout win over Bournemouth on Wednesday evening in Carson, California.
The 2 groups performed to a 1-1 attract regulation.
Fabio Viera scored Arsenal’s solely aim within the 18th minute on an help from Reiss Nelson, however Mikel Arteta’s aspect conceded an equalizer to Antoine Semenyo within the 73rd.
In the end Arsenal would pull take the shootout on the sixth kick.
ISAAN KHAN was available in California, the place he picked out 5 issues we discovered from this pleasant.
Thomas Partey #5 of Arsenal brings the ball up the sector through the second half
Gabriel Jesus #9 of Arsenal kicks the ball through the second half in opposition to AFC Bournemouth
New season, identical downside
THE identical urgent query from final season reoccurred: who’s going to play at left again? A Jurrien Timber long-term harm left Takehiro Tomiyasu, Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko to fill that spot within the earlier marketing campaign, to different success.
Tomiyasu was essentially the most assured, however he is injured as soon as once more. Anticipated signing Riccardo Calafiori, who can play a number of positions throughout the backline, is just not an Arsenal participant simply but. In order that offered Myles Lewis-Skelly the prospect to begin at left again.
The highly-touted Lewis-Skelly, who has been coaching with the primary crew since late final 12 months, has usually performed in midfield for the academy.
Mikel Arteta has excessive hopes for the 17-year-old, moulding him behind the scenes into an inverted left again. A Oleksandr Zinchenko prototype, you might say.
On the proof of this show, {the teenager} may effectively be a part of Arsenal’s first-team squad this season. He stood out in every side of his play.
His defensive work was good, placing in some well-timed tackles. He definitely wasn’t pegged again nor focused by the Bournemouth assault.
But it surely was the defender’s ease at inverting into midfield which actually shone, poking holes by way of when in assault. That left him receiving a hefty push to the ground after 33 minutes.
He has the neat footwork and switch of tempo to penetrate up the sector whereas getting again defensively on flip overs.
To this point, Arteta’s Venture Lewis-Skelly is coming to fruition.
Oleksandr Zinchenko #35 and Leandro Trossard #19 of Arsenal battle for the ball
Nwaneri finds his method into the match
EVER since Ethan Nwaneri grew to become the Premier League’s youngest-ever participant – aged 15 years and 181 days in opposition to Brentford in September 2022 — his rise has been anticipated however gradual.
He got here on within the 77th minute of Arsenal’s 6-0 league thrashing of West Ham in February, however has had scant different likelihood with the primary crew.
Arteta has not given him the enjoying time many followers have been crying out for.
That made tonight so essential for him. He took his alternative, alright, the Gunners outfield participant to play essentially the most minutes right here. On six minutes, his mazy run from the Gunners half cut up the opposition defence and outpaced quite a lot of gamers.
The gang gasps had been audible. His confidence is evident, trying to progress ahead each time he had the ball to ft.
The important thing for Nwaneri will likely be minutes. The expertise and potential is there however he must play to additional excel. He would have maybe favored to have impacted the sport extra in sure durations, however that’s unrealistic at current when he has barely performed for the primary crew.
Whether or not Arteta can additional combine the 17-year-old this season stays to be seen. If not, a mortgage transfer might be a possible route.
Mikel Arteta of Arsenal FC appears on from the sideline through the second half vs Bournemouth
Emile Smith Rowe’s exit time attracts close to
HOURS earlier, information had damaged that Fulham are near reaching an settlement for Emile Smith Rowe.
That made his spot on the bench tonight anticipated. Arteta made seven substitutions within the second half, however not the attacking midfielder.
A really clear signal that the exit door is shut. Just like him being made captain on Saturday for the ultimate 20 minutes in opposition to Leyton Orient — a scent of a form farewell gesture.
If the reported of payment £35million is right, it is a deal that works out effectively for all events — irrespective of how a lot Smith Rowe is cherished in these elements.
That is a good-looking sum of cash and, after an injury-ridden final marketing campaign which noticed him make simply three league begins, he’s eager to be enjoying.
If that is the top of Smith Rowe at Arsenal, a minimum of his ultimate minutes in a Gunners shirt had been as captain.
The ‘Saka and Emile Smith Rowe’ tune could also be now not, however his essential objectives within the 2021-22 season is not going to be forgotten.
Arsenal brings a dozen academy gamers to the US
ON Arsenal’s US pre-season tour final 12 months, just one academy participant made the squad — Amario Cozier-Duberry.
This time, owing to senior gamers reminiscent of Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka staying residence for additional relaxation after the Euros ultimate, 12 children had been introduced on this tour.
Although, the departures of many younger skills who weren’t capable of break into the primary crew might have influenced this drive.
Cozier-Duberry and Reuell Walters are amongst that gifted crop of gamers who’ve left.
The record-breaking academy star Chido Obi-Martin can be set to be on his method out.
A membership reminiscent of Arsenal who’ve a wealthy historical past of academy graduates can not afford to maintain on leaking such expertise.
Perhaps this tour will give the academy gamers that additional vein of hope for his or her future on the north London membership.
Jurrien Timber #12 of Arsenal controls the ball through the first half in opposition to AFC Bournemouth
Timber makes encouraging return to the pitch
SEEING Jurrien Timber again, totally match, raring to go was a rewarding sight; the worth of eight onerous months of restoration after ACL harm in August.
He was performed at centre again. A unique position for him at Arsenal, however one he isn’t unaccustomed to.
Timber has performed quite a lot of roles throughout the backline in his profession.
Bournemouth had been bodily punctured by the Dutchman, for starters. He imposed himself on each Dominic Solanke and Romain Faivre anytime they acquired ahead.
Among the tackles had been riddled with sheer aggressive intent. His yellow card on 53 minutes was definitely warranted.
However to see him again and bodily able to compete at his full potential was a reminder that the Gunners, in impact, have a menacing new signing who’s chomping on the bit.
