Arsenal sent a strong message to their Premier League rivals with a dominant 4-1 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in a pre-season friendly. The Gunners started the game with a first-half blitz, scoring three goals to take control of the match. Oleksandr Zinchenko opened the scoring with a sublime finish, followed by a goal from Leandro Trossard just 60 seconds later. Gabriel Jesus added a third just before half-time, showcasing his improved fitness and energy levels. Kai Havertz sealed the victory for Arsenal with a goal in the second half. Despite a late consolation goal from Adam Hlozek, Leverkusen couldn’t mount a comeback.
In terms of individual performances, there were several standout players for Arsenal. Zinchenko, who played in the absence of left-back competition, impressed both on and off the ball. His looping pass to Havertz led to a fine strike into the bottom corner. Havertz himself was involved in both goals and showcased his versatility by playing in a midfield role, where he started his Arsenal career. Trossard, who was involved in the thick of the action from the beginning, showed great composure in front of goal. His performance on the left wing could secure him a starting spot in the opening game against Wolves.
Gabriel Jesus was another standout player, displaying his improved fitness and energy levels. Running from his own half, he scored Arsenal’s third goal in just 38 minutes. With his current form, Arsenal may not need to sign a new striker.
The substitutes also made an impact, with Bukayo Saka producing an assist just 17 minutes after coming on. Declan Rice, who returned to action after a prolonged break following England duty, looked ready to contribute to the team’s efforts. Overall, the Arsenal team showed promise and depth, with players stepping up and making a case for their inclusion in the starting lineup.
Pre-season friendlies are an important opportunity for teams to test their tactics, assess player performance, and build chemistry ahead of the new season. The comprehensive victory over Bayer Leverkusen will undoubtedly boost Arsenal’s confidence and provide valuable insights for manager Mikel Arteta. With the Premier League season just around the corner, Arsenal fans can be hopeful and excited for what lies ahead.