The Gunners will return to England with an impressive victory over Barcelona, their last memory of their pre-season tour of the United States, after a series of poor results
Arsenal bounced back from the disappointing loss to Manchester United to beat Barcelona 5-3 in Los Angeles.
It was another sloppy start for the Gunners as Robert Lewandowski fired from close range after a brilliant run from Abde Ezzalzouli. Bukayo Saka fought back quickly when he capitalized on an error by Andres Christensen but missed a chance to put Arsenal ahead minutes later when he fired a penalty after Ronald Araujo’s handball.
A deflected free-kick found its way in after Raphinha’s shot found Martin Odegaard, but Kai Havertz was in the right place at the right time to equalize just before half-time. Leandro Trossard scored early in the second half and gave Arsenal their first lead of the night when his powerful shot found the bottom right corner.
Kieran Tierney came off the bench and set up Trossard for his second goal of the game, this time the Belgian hit the bottom left corner with his final touch before being sent off. There was still time for two more goals, however, as Ferran Torres made Arsenal sweat by scoring one more with two minutes remaining.
Almost immediately, however, Fabio Vieira restored the two-goal lead with a terrific effort, saving the best goal of the night for last. It was an improved performance from Arsenal, who struggled in pre-season and recorded their only victory before Wednesday night against the MLS All-Stars. Six talking points from the game at SoFi Stadium below…
Rice will miss with injury issues
Declan Rice was a notable omission from the matchday squad to face Barcelona, despite him taking part in pre-match media duties. The record-breaking £105million signing is reportedly suffering from a tight calf and has not been brought into play by Mikel Arteta.
It was also a good job, as the match against Barcelona was much tougher than expected, with three yellow cards awarded in the first half alone. Folarin Balogun was also absent, but Arteta is hoping Rice’s injury isn’t too serious with just weeks into the Premier League season.
Saka suffers from mixed feelings
Saka was at the heart of it all for the Arsenal forward, scoring within 14 minutes and setting up a goal for Havertz through Jesus. But the 21-year-old also had a moment to forget when he fired a penalty kick wide of the right post.
Saka had the chance to put Arsenal ahead after Lewandowski’s opener but missed his penalty much to the chagrin of Mikel Arteta, who complained about the poor surface before the game. Parts of the artificial turf were detached all over the pitch and Saka immediately looked at the provisional penalty spot after the miss.
Timber trialled in new role
Jurrien Timber may have been signed at centre-back but Arteta started the signing at left-back as he stayed in the middle with Gabriel and William Saliba. It was new territory for the Dutchman but he may need to be flexible next season.
Arsenal continue to struggle with Kieran Tierney’s fitness record after he was initially signed as a primary left-back and Oleksandr Zinchenko spent most of last season fulfilling that role. Arteta promoted Ben White to right-back last season, meaning it could happen again to Timber if he sees fit.
Havertz continues to play forward
Having joined Chelsea in the summer, Havertz spent most of his time at Arsenal as a central midfielder, but against Barcelona the German was eventually released in a No.10 role. either side, Havertz had more freedom to advance and managed to score before half-time.
The German played as a centre-forward, winger and midfielder during his time in the Premier League and his versatility has been a huge asset to Arteta’s plans for the future. But he was in the right place at the right time to be on the scoresheet, and that could give the Arsenal boss pause.
Ramsdale’s poor form continues
Aaron Ramsdale has been in the spotlight this pre-season as the England international has made a series of errors in the Arsenal goal. Ramsdale was again at fault as he rushed for his goal to try and save Raphinha’s deflected free-kick but couldn’t reach it in time.
The 25-year-old enjoyed a superb 2022/23 season and played much of Arsenal’s title charge before he was eventually sent off by Manchester City. Ramsdale is undoubtedly Arteta’s No.1 and has earned his place since joining the club in August 2021. But he will have to return to the best when the new season is rolling.
Trossard takes its possibility
Trossard had an impact after signing Arsenal in January and arrived from the Premier League Brighton team. The Belgian had to settle for life on the sofa for parts of last season, but has shown how important it could be against Barcelona.
Two goals for Trossard have remembered Arte who still has an offensive weapon at his disposal, which contributes to the pool of young talents who are already in the team. Arsenal has been strengthened in other areas this summer by signing wood and rice and it will be sure that it will begin next season.
