We rounded off a good pre-season tour of the USA with a 4-0 win over Chelsea
We took charge of this match from the first whistle, and it was no surprise when it was Jesus who opened the scoring with a delicate chip over Edouard Mendy to open the scoring after 15 minutes.
Playing our final game of the USA tour, we looked sharp, and we created the first chance of the game after just five minutes.
Martinelli collected the ball on the edge of our own box after defending a corner and burst forward in the counter-attack, similar to his goal at Stamford bridge.
He decided to pass the ball to Saka who saw his shot saved by Mendy
Chelsea’s new signing Kalidou Koulibaly impressed during a 17-minute cameo but Thomas Tuchel was furious with his side’s worrying display.
We continued to look the more likely scorers in the opening exchanges. Oleksandr Zinchenko – on his first appearance for us – was getting forward well on the left and had a shot charged down when he found space inside the box.
Our second goal showed great vision and movement. Martinelli held on to the ball just outside the Chelsea box while Ordegaard made his run into the box, before slipping the ball into his path. Ordegaard saw his low shot beat Mendy into the far corner.
The first half was all Arsenal. Partey came close when he saw his 20-yard shot sail just over the bar.
Chelsea had a good chance but was denied when Mount’s effort struck the woodwork.
The second half started with the same tempo as the first half did and at the hour mark, we made it 3-0.
Martinelli forced a diving stop from Mendy, the ball fell for Xhaka who controlled well and flicked the ball up and over the oncoming defender and fired another shot at the Chelsea keeper. Saka was first to respond to the fumble and drove the rebound into the roof of the net.
Arteta made several changes, Lokonga was one of those subs and with a composed header at the far post put the seal on a comfortable win.
Arteta on the win
on whether Arsenal supporters should be excited about this team…
Yes but it was a friendly match. As you could see there are a lot of positives to take from the game. The way we played, the intensity we showed, the way we were trying to show who we are as a team. But at the same time, it’s just a test match. Don’t get carried away. There are still a lot of things that we have to get better at, and do better. But I think it’s good to get some momentum, finish the tour in the right way, give some enjoyment to our fans and everybody that’s been contributing to make this tour happen. Now it’s time to go back to London, to focus and keep making improvements and steps forwards.
on the importance of getting business done early…
It’s ideal for any coach that you ask, the earlier you get the players, the better. Because you need to get them in the cohesion of the team, understanding each other, relaxed and comfortable socially around the team and the fact that he (Jesus) has been with us for a few weeks makes a huge difference.
on whether the result changes anything about the transfer strategy…
Nothing. Again, don’t get carried away. There were a lot of positives, there are a lot of things we can do much, much better than we have done today as well and we have to continue to improve as a team.
on his options in the team…
I focus on the players that I have here available. We know what we would like to do, is to get the best from the players that we have.
on the back four…
At the moment Tierney and Tomiyasu are not fit, we have other options, but I think it was good to try different things, to build some relationships in big matches, and I’m happy with the way they played.
on Zinchenko…
He was desperate to play and I knew that. It was a maximum 45 minutes but you could see straight away he was comfortable. He understands everything that I want, he understands the process and I thought he had a really good game.
on William Saliba…
I am really pleased to see the way he is playing, the way he has adapted to the team, the maturity that he’s shown at 21-years-old, carry on doing it. We will keep developing him, he has a huge potential, he is already a top player and we have to make him even better.
on if he is ready…
He looked ready to me today.
on Fabio Vieira and Takehiro Tomiyasu’s fitness…
Yeah, Tomi us really close to start doing some training sessions. Hopefully next week and Fabio probably a little bit longer. I think he needs another week or so before he starts with the team but he’s been working hard and he’s been really unlucky to start his Arsenal career in this way but again he’s fitting in well.
on if Gabriel Jesus is OK…
Yeah he got a knock in the first half in his quad I think it was and it wasn’t very comfortable to continue and onvioulsy we didn’t take any risks today.
on the tour…
We had a great time. Thank you so much for everybody that participated in organising this tour. We’ve tried to make it as enjoyable and as productive as possible and in the sporting side the facilities were really good in both games that we played were really good as well, really competitive matches, great cup, great attendance so looking forward to getting back one day.
on the depth of our squad…
We are where we are. Obviously, at the moment we have injuries, you can see that we are still a little bit short in some positions for the way that we want to play but it is something that we are trying to address. We have increased the quality of the team for sure and the level of the squad is obviously something that we want to keep raising.
on if Gabriel Jesus can compete for the Golden Boot…
I have no clue, we are in pre-season. What I can guarantee you is that he is going to do everything that he can to be the best player that he can, that’s it.
on signing American players…
We have already one that we just signed so it’s a good start. Let’s see how he adapts but it’s a huge market, there are a lot of opportunities there and hopefully we can bring some more to make you happy.
Source Arsenal.com
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