Arsenal’s pre-season tour of Asia ended with a 1-0 defeat in the first North London Derby outside of the UK.
Mikel Arteta’s side were frustrated by their rivals and could not break down a deep defence in a repeat of last season’s struggles.
Before that clash, the tour had highlighted many positives with dominant victories over AC Milan and Newcastle for the Gunners.
Arsenal’s time in Asia also saw Cristhian Mosquera and Viktor Gyokeres link up with their new teammates for the first time.
Arsenal Insider looks back at the tour and assesses who has taken their opportunity to impress and who may be fearing the worst upon return to the UK.
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Winners from Arsenal’s pre-season tour of Asia
Max Dowman
The biggest winner from the tour without a shadow of a doubt. A 15-year-old performing with the composure and intelligence that Max Dowman showed was quite remarkable.
Arsenal have been warned over Dowman in how they need to carefully manage his workload and integration into the first-team but the club will be thrilled with his development so far.
His movement, technique and mentality were all on display during his three appearances on the tour and he has made the footballing world sit up and take notice.
Dowman isn’t expected to be a regular for Arsenal this season, but he has shown that he is more than just another youngster coming through the system.
Martin Zubimendi
There is a lot of pressure on Martin Zubimendi at the base of Arsenal’s midfield this season and people may need reminding that it is his first season in English football.
However, the Spanish international showed he may take very little time to adapt as he produced a string of eye-catching performances.
His passing range and ability to control the tempo of the game was evident but Arsenal fans would also have been pleasantly surprised with his physicality and defensive contributions.
Zubimendi thrived against Newcastle in particular and supporters will be hoping his consistent performances will continue into the start of the new campaign.
Marli Salmon
Marli Salmon was another 15-year-old academy product to make his senior debut on the tour and once again impressed.
He slotted in at centre back during the clashes with AC Milan and Newcastle and immediately looked at home both on the ball and in his defensive work.
One particular cross-field pass on his debut against Milan got Arsenal supporters out of their seat and he has more than enhanced his reputation on the trip.
Losers from Arsenal’s pre-season tour of Asia
David Raya
David Raya earned plaudits for his consistency last season but has not started the new campaign with the same level of assurance.
Perry Groves criticised Raya for looking ‘shaky’ in his pre-season displays so far and the Spaniard was involved in a mix-up that led to Spurs winning 1-0 in the derby.
He also looked nervy on a number of crosses and didn’t command his penalty area with his usual aggressive presence.
Raya has competition this season in the form of Kepa Arrizabalaga and will want to get rid of any rustiness from the summer as soon as possible.
Albert Sambi Lokonga
Albert Sambi Lokonga returned from a loan spell at Sevilla last season hoping to resurrect his career at the Gunners.
The Belgian midfielder would have been hoping for some minutes on the tour of Asia to prove that he could be an effective option in the middle of the park this season.
However, Arteta made his stance clear on Lokonga as the 25-year-old failed to make a single appearance and was left watching his teammates from the sideline.
His future now surely lies away from the club and Arsenal will hope that they can secure a permanent deal for the player.
Gabriel Martinelli
Gabriel Martinelli knows this is a pivotal season in his Arsenal career. The Brazilian has shown that he has the talent to be a world-class performer but his form has evaded him the last two seasons.
Arteta is keen to keep Martinelli at the club despite interest from several clubs elsewhere but the 23-year-old was relatively ineffective during his three appearances.
Fans were frustrated with Martinelli against AC Milan and the winger failed to make a significant impact on any of the matches during the tour.
There is a player in there. Martinelli now needs to find that blistering form that everyone associated with the club knows that he possesses.
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