Xavi ‘surprised’ by Arsenal’s intensity in pre-season friendly win against Barcelona
Barcelona boss Xavi says Arsenal’s effort levels and intensity during their pre-season friendly win against his side was ‘not normal’.
The Gunners saw off the Catalans in Los Angeles on Wednesday night with a 5-3 victory, with Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz and Fabio Vieira all getting on the scoresheet for the Gunners following a good start from the Spaniards.
The game was far from a traditional pre-season friendly, with a number of overzealous challenges and a bit of spice between the two sides.
Xavi surprised by Arsenal’s intensity
And Xavi admitted after the defeat that he was ‘surprised’ by Arsenal’s intensity, describing it as ‘not normal’ for a friendly.
‘Well I said to Mikel at the end of the game that it was a Champions League game because the intensity that they put was ‘not normal’,’ said Xavi.
‘It was not usual for a friendly game. But I understand perfectly that everybody wants to win.’
Arsenal deserved the victory
Xavi did concede, though, that the Gunners deserved to win.
‘Arsenal deserved the victory,’ said Xavi.
‘The rhythm and the physique have been the main difference. Apart from the result, we are satisfied.’
Mikel Arteta explains why Declan Rice missed Arsenal win against Barcelona
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta explained why Declan Rice missed the win against Barcelona.
Rice was absent from the matchday squad and Arteta revealed that he had suffered an injury in training.
“Declan got injured in training yesterday,” said Arteta. “He felt something in his knee and we had to take him out of training.”
Why Folarin Balogun has been training alone during Arsenal pre-season tour
Folarin Balogun has been training alone during Arsenal’s pre-season tour.
The 19-year-old striker has not featured in any of Arsenal’s pre-season friendlies so far this summer and it appears he is being kept away from the first-team squad.
Balogun is yet to sign a new contract with Arsenal and is set to become a free agent next summer when his current deal expires.
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