Mikel Arteta hails ‘unbelievable’ Riccardo Calafiori after first outing and gives an harm replace on TWO defenders because the Gunners cap off their preparations with victory over Lyon

Arsenal’s last match of pre-season delivered yet one more win, in addition to a primary take a look at their thrilling £42million signing Riccardo Calafiori.

The Italian got here on to a raucous reception from the Emirates crowd, and the 22-year-old put in a constructive 26-minute cameo, together with a number of drives up subject and an almighty dash again on the break which did sufficient to place off a Lyon attacker, aided by David Raya’s save.

And supervisor Mikel Arteta was filled with reward for the group and the Italian, who joined from Bologna on the finish of July and is the north London membership’s solely summer time signing to date.

‘I simply adore it when the followers react like that to one in every of your individual,’ stated Arteta. ‘The way in which you’re feeling it immediately, it is love, you’re revered, they’re proper behind you. And that is an unbelievable platform for somebody to affix our membership.

‘He brings a number of versatility as a result of he can play in two or three totally different positions and particularly in assault, occupy totally different areas as a result of he is an actual defender.

William Saliba and Gabriel netted from set items because the Gunners cruised to a 2-0 win

Mikel Arteta heaped reward on his crew’s ‘distinctive’ efficiency in opposition to the Ligue 1 aspect

‘If you see his press and physicality, how he goes into duels, it is unbelievable. He is finished so much final yr, he is a participant that may enhance us.’

Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice made their first begins of pre-season, and each delivered the sorts of set-pieces that prompted their opponents so many issues final time period.

Rice, who struggled to fulfill the tempo of the victory over Bayer Leverkusen final Wednesday, regarded sharp and match-ready. His passing was crisp and progressive and he put in some good tackles, too.

After which to prime it off, two of his well-executed corner-kicks — which have been proper on the cash — resulted in targets. ‘I feel general it has been a constructive pre-season,’ stated Arteta.

‘It was a hit, after which the 2 video games we have had right here (on the Emirates) have been very aggressive. The crew was distinctive, particularly within the first half, we performed on the highest stage.

Calafiori was launched as a second-half sub after finishing his change from Bologna

Arteta revealed Jurrien Timber is predicted to return to full coaching within the coming days after an prolonged spell on the sidelines via harm

‘We maintained it and we dropped slightly bit within the second half. The situations have been robust however good as properly. So general, very happy.’

Arteta confirmed that versatile defender Jurrien Timber is predicted to return to coaching imminently having overcome his foot downside, however full again Takehiro Tomiyasu is ‘weeks’ away from returning.