In many ways, this was the quintessential pre-season opener; laced with chaos, errors and frenetic entertainment.
Alongside two own goals, we saw new boy Gabriel Jesus bag a brace, a trademark Mohammed Elneny screamer and gaffes a few players I’m certain would sooner forget – it was everything you could have hoped for.
It was a match broadly reflective of this early stage of the season, where there’s lots to be worked on, destinations are yet to be settled, and change is almost inevitable in the weeks ahead.
At this early stage of the campaign, it is only ever about getting minutes into legs and introducing new squad members to a new way of working and, to that end, it was a job well done.
The victory is symbolic but, of course, all of us would rather see a win than a defeat, whether it’s the Champions League final or a kick-about down the park.
What I’m glad it did was give us a chance to be get a little bit excited as fans about some of the new things fomenting in the squad. Chief among them was former Manchester City frontman, Jesus, who impact was immediate and telling.
Goals were an issue for the Gunners in the second half of last season so to see the Brazilian get on the scoresheet twice, even in a match such as this, was exhilarating and hopefully bodes well for the season ahead.
Even in this makeshift side, the Brazilian was able to make the most of the opportunities that came his way and act as a focal point for an attack that has largely struggled for one for quite some time. I’m sure there’s plenty more to come from the 25-year-old.
Rather less exciting was some of the antics at the other end of the pitch but, in truth, that was all largely to be expected. For long periods, our defence featured players who, if wheels can be greased, won’t be at the club in a few weeks, while others in the line-up were recovering from injuries and extended absences.
Although it’s never good to concede three goals in any game, it was largely typical of a game at this stage of the season and will sharpen up as things settle this month.
Also worthy of note were cameos for new signing Marquinhos and run-outs for youngsters including Charlie Patino, Ruell Walters, and Arthur Okonkwo.
From here, it’s a brief foray back to London before the team jets off to the US for a pre-season tournament. Our next opponents will be Everton on 17 July, after which the games start coming thick and fast.
Here’s hoping we get a bit more news in the transfer department, both ins and outs, over the next week or so, and we can really start getting invested ahead of the new campaign.
Blog on You Gunners 