July 20th 2024.
Gabriel Jesus was the standout player in Arsenal's latest pre-season friendly match against Leyton Orient. Alongside Emile Smith Rowe, he contributed to a 2-0 win for the Gunners in a behind-closed-doors game on Saturday. The team, which also featured Martin Odegaard, Ben White, and Jurrien Timber, proved to be too strong for the League One club.
In addition to the established players, manager Mikel Arteta also gave youth players Ayden Heaven and Myles Lewis-Skelly a chance to impress. The 17-year-old Lewis-Skelly played a role in Arsenal's first goal, linking up with Reiss Nelson and setting up Gabriel Jesus for the finish. Smith Rowe, who has been linked with a potential move away from the Emirates Stadium, started on the bench but made an immediate impact after coming on in the second half.
As the match progressed, Arteta made several substitutions, including bringing on youngsters Salah Oulad-M'hand and Charles Sagoe Jr. This gave the manager a chance to assess his players and give them an opportunity to showcase their skills. The Gunners will now head to Los Angeles for their first official pre-season friendly against Bournemouth on Thursday.
The starting lineup for Arsenal included Hein, White, Timber, Heaven, Lewis-Skelly, Partey, Odegaard, Nelson, Vieira, Jesus, and Nketiah. Meanwhile, Leyton Orient's team consisted of Howes, Beckles, Cooper, Simpson, Happe, Trialist A, Pratley, Agyei, Trialist B, Perkins, and Jaiyesimi.
After their match against Bournemouth, Arsenal will face Manchester United on July 28 before concluding their USA tour with a game against Liverpool on August 1 in Philadelphia. Their Premier League campaign will begin on August 17 against Wolves. Arteta will be looking to lead the team to their first league title since 2004 after two consecutive second-place finishes.
Looking ahead to the 2024-25 season, Arteta said that the team is aware of the demands and competition in the league and is continuously working to find ways to improve. He added that the pain from last season's results still remains, but the team has made significant progress and is heading in the right direction. The manager also discussed the importance of maintaining a high level of quality and consistency in all aspects of the game.
In terms of pre-season preparations, Arteta emphasized the importance of setting the tone for the returning players and creating a sense of urgency and determination within the team. He also acknowledged the need to improve in certain areas and simplify their approach to become more efficient. Arteta believes that by working harder and being more efficient, the team can close the margins and make a significant impact on the pitch.
Overall, the Gunners are determined to start the new season on a high note and continue their quest for a Premier League title. With a strong squad and a dedicated manager, Arsenal fans can look forward to an exciting and competitive season ahead.
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