Arsenal took on Leyton Orient in a behind-closed-doors friendly match at their London Colney training ground on Saturday.
This game allowed Arsenal to get some valuable early minutes into their legs, prior to jetting off to America for their pre-season tour.
Given that many Arsenal players are still enjoying an extended holiday, having taken part in an international tournament this summer, Mikel Arteta was still able to field a strong team against the League One outfit.
Ben White, Jurrien Timber, Thomas Partey, Martin Odegaard, Reiss Nelson, Eddie Nketiah, Fabio Vieira, and Gabriel Jesus were all included in the starting XI. Meanwhile, in an experiment that has been in the works for some time, Hale End academy ace Myles Lewis-Skelly was fielded at left-back.
It was a comfortable game for the Gunners, who recorded a 2-0 win. Jesus and Emile Smith Rowe provided the goals.
Whilst it was only a friendly, and neither of the goals were celebrated particularly wildly, Jesus will have been delighted to find the back of the net, and he sent a message to Arteta with his overall performance.
Gabriel Jesus must make worth to Arsenal clear in pre-season
It currently looks likely that the Brazilian striker will remain on the North London club’s books heading into the new campaign, as no rumours of an impending exit are in the air. However, it was not so long ago that Arsenal were said to be open to offers for Jesus.
Certainly, the 27-year-old endured an extremely disappointing season last time out. Over the course of the campaign, he was able to rack up just 8 goals in 36 appearances, across all competitions. Just 4 of those strikes came in the Premier League, from 27 outings.
Jesus has long since made a vow to Arsenal fans to become more clinical, and he desperately needs to. Every other element of his game is there. The former Manchester City man boasts, flair, pace, energy, a fantastic work rate, and brilliant technique.
Arteta needs goals, though, and until Jesus can provide them with regularity, he will continue to trail Kai Havertz in the pecking order.
Jesus must now focus on being as prolific as possible in pre-season. He must use these friendlies as a chance to build his confidence, prove that he can score regularly, and apply pressure to Havertz before the new campaign has even properly begun.
The 64-cap Brazil international began well in this regard against Leyton Orient. His movement was sharp and he tucked away his chance confidently from close range.
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