Arsenal opened their pre-season tour of the US with a victory against a team of MLS Allstars.
The Gunners started with a back four of White, Saliba, Gabriel and Kiwior. The Polish defender playing the ‘Zinchenko role’. Aaron Ramsdale was the familiar face between the sticks. Anchoring the midfield was Jorginho, with Fabio Vieira and Leandro Trossard either side of him. Saka, Jesus and Nketiah then made up the front three.
First half goals from Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard gave Arsenal a 2-0 lead at the break.
Havertz and Odegaard then replaced Saka and Nketiah at the break, with Trossard and Vieira moving to the wings. Jorginho instantly made it 3-0 after converting a very early second half penalty.
Goals from Martinelli and a first for Kai Havertz capped off a wonderful day for Arsenal.
Here’s how I rated the players:
Ramsdale – 6.5 (off 45) – Not much to do.
White – 5.5 (off 80) – Looked off the pace, caught in possession and sloppy in the first half. Will need to improve to keep out Timber now the Dutchman has arrived as he looked excellent when coming on. White moved to RCB from RB at 65’.
Saliba – 8 (off 65) – Looked great and reminded us why we dropped off so much after he picked up that injury.
Gabriel – 7 (off 65) – His usual self.
Kiwior – 7 (off 65) – Looks very promising. Great switch to Saka a couple of times, good defensively. Caught in possession a few times so will need to sharpen up for Premier League games, but he has the tools.
Jorginho – 6.5 (off 65) – Quiet, tidy and a good ball to open up the MLS side and create that first goal.
Vieira – 6.5 (off 65) – Decent first half, more touches than we have maybe become used to for him, but didn’t do anything special.
Trossard – 8.5 (off 55) – Was excellent in the first half. Beautiful finish for his goal and showed some great link up play. He’s a serious option to play as the left eight in this team.
Saka – 7.5 (off 45) – Didn’t have a huge amount of touches, but was involved in both goals, his threat is always lurking.
Gabriel Jesus – 8 (off 65) – Fantastic goal early on, good link up play.
Nketiah – 7 (off 45) – Decent bursts of energy playing from the left, but doesn’t look natural there.
Subs:
Havertz (on 45) – 7.5 – Played LCM, was neat and tidy and then scored a lovely goal at the end. Really positive 45 for him.
Odegaard (on 45) – 7 – Excellent assist for Arsenal’s fourth.
Hein (on 45) – 5 – Young keeper struggled with the ball at his feet.
Martinelli (on 55) – 7 – Missed a big chance but looked bright and then scored.
Timber (on 65) – 8 – Played RB, but very inverted, right-side Zinchenko-esque. Looked a perfect fit and very intelligent.
Rice (on 65) – 6.5 – Tidy and kept things ticking. Arsenal controlled the ball more after his introduction.
Tomiyasu (on 65) – 6.5 – Played LCB then RCB when Trusty came on 80’.
Balogun (on 65) – 6
Tierney (on 65) – 6
Marquinhos (on 65) – 6.5 – Enthusiastic and nice assist for Havertz.
Trusty (on 80) – 6
Holding – unused sub
Cozier-Duberry – unused sub
Runarsson – unused sub