Arsenal took on Lyon in the Emirates Cup in their final pre-season friendly on Sunday afternoon.
Just as they did against Bayer Leverkusen last time out, Arsenal flew out of the blocks against Lyon at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s side were ahead with less than ten minutes on the clock, as William Saliba connected with a corner to flick a header home from close range. Midway through the opening period, Declan Rice whipped another corner into the box, and on that occasion Gabriel Magalhaes was the one coming crashing in to score with his head.
Arsenal continued to monopolise possession throughout the second half, but could not extend their lead, before the final whistle. Whilst this result confirmed the Gunners as Emirates Cup winners, the game was followed by a pre-arranged penalty shootout.
All in all, it was a good day for the Gunners who now look ready for the new Premier League season to get underway. It was also an enjoyable occasion for the fans, as Ainsley Maitland-Niles returned to Arsenal after his departure last summer.
Of course, the result is not the most important thing when it comes to situations such as this, but Arteta will still be pleased to have seen his side get the win. He will also be glad to have seen many of his key players get vital minutes into their legs, as his side looked cohesive and avoided any injury concerns.
Oleksandr Zinchenko of Arsenal in action during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Arsenal FC and Olympique Lyonnais at Emirates Stadium on Augu…
Arsenal player ratings v Lyon
David Raya – 6
David Raya didn’t have a great deal to do, but his presence brings a calmness and sense of security to the side.
Ben White – 6
Cruised through the game easily, just going all the basic, simple things well.
William Saliba – 7
Almost entirely untroubled by Lyon, but clearly enjoyed grabbing his early goal.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 7
Just as with his centre-back partner Saliba, Gabriel was never hugely threatened defensively but sent out a clear reminder of his attacking prowess from set-piece situations.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 8
There are signs that Oleksandr Zinchenko is getting back to his best. There were a couple of moments when his defensive positioning was questionable, but it is no surprise that Zinchenko has defensive flaws.
However, he is starting to show reminders of his remarkable quality on the ball, as he played his part in many attacking moves today and produced some excellent crosses into the box. Zinchenko is taking strides forward.
Thomas Partey – 6
Thomas Partey looked very comfortable on the ball and produced some eye-catching passes. There will always be concerns about his physicality and fitness, but an in-form Partey can still be a real asset to the Gunners.
Martin Odegaard – 7
The captain oozes class and tied the Gunners’ play together in the final third. Martin Odegaard has promised Arsenal fans that there is still more to come from him.
Declan Rice – 7
Rice claimed two first half assists with a pair of brilliant corner deliveries into the box and was generally a dominant force in the middle of the park.
Bukayo Saka – 6
Having had a long summer with England, it is a relief to see Bukayo Saka already looking sharp, but there is still plenty more to come from the Hale End academy graduate.
Gabriel Martinelli – 6
Whilst his final ball wasn’t always accurate, Gabriel Martinelli started the game full of intent and energy. The Brazilian has a point to prove this season, having disappointed last time around, and looks up for that fight. This afternoon, though, his decision making in the final third let him down on more than one occasion.
Kai Havertz – 6
Having started in midfield against his former club Bayer Leverkusen last time out, Kai Havertz led the line from the off against the French outfit, providing a focal point for his teammates to work around.
However, it was a relatively quiet display from the former Chelsea man.
Substitutes
Riccardo Calafiori – 7
Summer signing Riccardo Calafiori came on to a huge ovation as he made his non-competitive debut, replacing Zinchenko at left-back with about 25 minutes to go.
The Italian came on with great enthusiasm, and was clearly eager to impress as he pushed high up the pitch and roamed infield in search of the action. Already he looks like a player the Emirates Stadium faithful will enjoy watching.
Gabriel Jesus – 6
Introduced to the fray at the same time as Calafiori, Gabriel Jesus came on to lead the line for the Gunners.
Ethan Nwaneri – 7
Ethan Nwaneri just looks so comfortable at senior level already. Caught the eye and raised the volume levels inside the Emirates Stadium with one aggressive forward run with the ball, and also managed a decent shot on goal.
Jorginho – 5
Came on to help sure things up, but had a few iffy moments in Arsenal’s own half.
Jakub Kiwior – 6
Did fine after coming on without being greatly tested.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6
Having played at left-back against Bayer Leverkusen, the 17-year-old was introduced into the midfield on this occasion. Along with Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly is clearly the Hale End academy prospect closest to a real first team breakthrough.
Leandro Trossard – 6
Helped to keep the Gunners on top, but not much of note.
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