Arsenal won the Emirates Cup with a 2-0 win over Lyon, which provided a fascinating insight into how the Gunners will shape up this season.
From the first whistle, Arsenal were in command against the French side. Mikel Arteta’s team pressed high, were aggressive, and eager to make things happen in the final third.
The North London outfit were rewarded for their endeavour less than ten minutes in, as Declan Rice swung a corner into the Lyon penalty area, where William Saliba was on hand to nod home.
Midway through the first half, and not to be outdone by his centre-back partner, Gabriel Magalhaes came crashing into the box to head in another Rice corner.
Set-piece coach Nicolas Jover was a secret weapon for Arsenal last season, and it is clear that his influence will be strongly felt again this time around, but that is not the only lesson to be taken from this match.
Mikel Arteta drops hint about plan for Riccardo Calafiori
Riccardo Calafiori made his non-competitive Arsenal debut in this game. He was greeted with a rapturous ovation from the Emirates Stadium faithful as he was introduced to the fray with around 25 minutes left to play.
Crucially, it was Oleksandr Zinchenko at left-back that the Italian replaced. This may well confirm that that is the role that Arteta has earmarked for the new arrival, who is also comfortable operating in the heart of the defence.
Oleksandr Zinchenko is regaining his confidence
Before being replaced by Calafiori, Zinchenko was one of Arsenal’s standout players in this match. His defensive positioning may have been somewhat questionable once or twice, but on the ball the Ukrainian looked close to being back to his best.
He sparked attacking moves, produced a number of excellent deliveries into the box, and generally sought to make things happen in the final third. The Gunners needed this sort of response from the former Manchester City man. It was said last season that Arteta had lost faith in Zinchenko due to his loss of form. This outing gave cause for renewed belief.
Ethan Nwaneri is ready to star for Arsenal
Ethan Nwaneri was afforded only a little over ten minutes to make his mark on this match. Given the heat of the day and relative unimportance of the result had slowed the match significantly by that point, the 17-year-old was still able to show flashes of quality.
He caught the eye with one aggressive forward run, and was also able to muster a shot on goal. Arteta has promised Nwaneri that there will be game time for him this season if he earns it. The Hale End academy gem looks ready to hold up his end of that bargain.
Arteta still has a Gabriel Martinelli problem
Many Arsenal fans were not impressed by Gabriel Martinelli in this match. The Brazilian winger started with plenty of energy and attacking intent, but his final touch and decision making at the crucial moment let him down on a couple of occasions.
What’s more, he does not look to be playing at peak fitness yet, and after his struggles last season the pressure is now very much on for him to get back to his best quickly.
Midfield has to be Arsenal’s transfer priority
Jorginho and Thomas Partey are undoubtedly both fine players, but neither can withstand the physical demands of starting week in, week out in the Premier League anymore.
With Declan Rice preferred in the more advanced left-eight role for this game, it became clear that the Gunners need another option in the middle of the park, who can both sit deep to protect the back four and push further forward.
Arsenal must complete the signing of Mikel Merino quickly to address this issue.
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