Sun. Dec 22nd, 2024
Occasional Digest - a story for you

ARSENAL laid down a marker against their Premier League foes Manchester United in LA.

The Gunners managed to get past the Red Devils in 90 minutes thanks to goals from Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli.

Arsenal beat rivals Man Utd 2-1 in Los Angeles

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Arsenal beat rivals Man Utd 2-1 in Los AngelesCredit: Getty
Gabriel Martinelli came off the bench to score the winner

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Gabriel Martinelli came off the bench to score the winnerCredit: AFP
Goalkeeper Karl Hein couldn't keep Rasmus Hojlund's opener out

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Goalkeeper Karl Hein couldn’t keep Rasmus Hojlund’s opener outCredit: Reuters

Mikel Arteta‘s side had done well to bounce back from a 1-0 deficit after Rasmus Hojlund scored early to put United ahead.

But the north Londoners kept their cool and bagged themselves an equaliser just 20 minutes later.

Substitute Martinelli was the man with the match-winning impact, coming off the bench in the second half to score the goal that made it 2-1.

Here’s how SunSport’s Nick Callow rated every Arsenal performance…

Karl Hein – 6

The Estonian started in top form with a wonder save from Amad, but he looked to be at fault for Hojlund’s near post opener.

Ben White – 6

Relatively quiet game for Arsenal’s ever-reliable right-back. That is not a bad thing – just means he did is job effectively and did not make any mistakes.

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Ayden Heaven – 5

Another solid overall display by the teenager. May come in for criticism when he is older if he lets Hojlund burn past him to score, but he simply is not big enough or strong enough yet.

Jurrien Timber – 7

Has Arteta stumbled on yet another star centre back? The Dutch defender was billed as the answer to their left-0back problems, but it looks like he can play anywhere and play anywhere well too.

Arsenal announce third summer transfer as England wonderkid joins from Champions League giants

Alex Zinchenko – 6

The versatile Ukraine man was back on the left hand side of defence, having started as a sub against Bournemouth in midweek, and looked much improved and fitter going forward.

Jorginho – 6

Rarely puts a foot wrong and made the most of his chance to get some minutes under his belt after not starting the midweek match against Bournemouth. Took time to look after Heaven after his error for United’s opening goal.

Ethan Nwaneri – 8

Once again showed that he is the kid to watch at Arsenal. The Premier League’s youngster ever player when he was 15 is now so much better and stronger at 17. Looked more than at home against United’s more established stars.

Ethan Nwaneri looked sharp once again for the Gunners

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Ethan Nwaneri looked sharp once again for the GunnersCredit: Getty

Martin Odegaard – 6

Clearly fitter than most having missed the Euros after Norway’s failure to qualify. The Arsenal skipper once again showed his leadership qualities on and off the ball

Leandro Trossard – 6

The versatile Belgium forward has sussed that Arteta likes players who work very hard for the team and then have some stardust talent to sprinkle on top. He showed a bit of both on the night, without doing anything spectacular.

Reiss Nelson – 6

No faulting his effort playing in the Bukayo Saka on the right hand side of the Arsenal attack, but he will have to do more to prove he can fill on for the England international on a regular basis when the season starts.

Gabriel Jesus – 7

Fit again, for now at least, he is making the most of a restful summer after missing out on selection for Brazil’s Copa America campaign. A menace to the United backline and took his goal well.

Gabriel Jesus grabbed Arsenal's equaliser

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Gabriel Jesus grabbed Arsenal’s equaliserCredit: EPA

SUBS

Jakub Kiwior – 6

Came on for Heaven at half-time and Arsenal instantly looked more secure at the back

Salah – 6

Looked so comfortable as another half-time introduction – for the impressive Nwaneri.

Josh Nichols – 6

The pint-sized full back  was one of five subs introduced during the second period after he seemed to struggle against Bournemouth last time out,

Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6

One of Arsenal’s big hopes for the future replaced Jorginho and did not look out of place in midfield.

Gabriel – 6

Big Gabi came on for his first pre-season appearance to try to make Arsenal more defensively secure. It worked.

Gabriel Magalhaes looked secure as always

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Gabriel Magalhaes looked secure as alwaysCredit: Getty

Fabio Vieira – 6

Replaced Trossard and played mainly on the right. Had a hand in Martinelli’s winner.

Thomas Partey – 6

Again looked the part in midfield after coming on for  Zinchenko.

Eddie Nketiah – 6

Steady Eddie came on for Jesus but hardly had a touch.

Gabriel Martinelli – 8

Wasted no time impressing after taking over from Nelson. Some great runs down the wing and a well taken goal.

Gabriel Martinelli was electric from the bench, scoring the winning goal

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Gabriel Martinelli was electric from the bench, scoring the winning goalCredit: Getty

Kai Havertz – 6

Arsenal fans will be pleased to see their favourite German back in action and looking fit after a busy summer on international duty with his country.

SUBS NOT USED: Tommy Setford, Lucas Nygaard, Alexie Rojas, Omar Rekik, Michel Rosiak Jimi Gower Charles  Sagoe Jr

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