Arsenal’s pre-season began with a penalty shootout victory over Bournemouth on Wednesday night in Carson, California.
In normal time, the two teams tied 1-1.
Arsenal’s Fabio Vieira scored in the 18th minute, assisted by Reiss Nelson, but Antoine Semenyo equalized in the 73rd minute.
Ultimately, Arsenal won on penalties.
ISAAN KHAN was on hand in California and shared five takeaways from this friendly.
Fabio Vieira put Arsenal in front in the first half of their clash with Bournemouth
Antoine Semenyo (right) brought Bournemouth level after half time
New season, same problem
The same pressing concern from last season arose: who will play left back? Jurrien Timber’s long-term injury forced Takehiro Tomiyasu, Jakub Kiwior, and Oleksandr Zinchenko to fill the void in the preceding season, with varying degrees of success.
Tomiyasu was the most confident, yet he got injured yet again. Riccardo Calafiori, an expected addition who can play numerous positions across the backline, is currently not an Arsenal player. That gave Myles Lewis-Skelly the opportunity to start at left back.
The highly regarded Lewis-Skelly, who has been working with the first team since late last year, has normally played midfield at the academy.
Mikel Arteta has great expectations for the 17-year-old, transforming him behind the scenes into an inverted left back. You may call this an Oleksandr Zinchenko prototype.
Based on his performance, the teenager has a good chance of making the Arsenal first-team this season. He stood out in every aspect of his play.
His defensive performance was good, with some well-timed tackles. He wasn’t pinned back or targeted by the Bournemouth attack.
But it was the defender’s ability to invert into midfield that truly showed, punching holes through while in attack. After 33 minutes, he received a heavy push to the floor.
He has the quick feet and turn of speed to get up the field while returning defensively on turnovers.
So far, Arteta’s Project Lewis-Skelly is coming together.
Myles Lewis-Skelly showed promising signs as Arsenal look for a reliable left-back
Nwaneri grasps his opportunity
Since becoming the Premier League’s youngest-ever player against Brentford in September 2022 at the age of 15 years and 181 days, Ethan Nwaneri’s development has been anticipated but delayed.
He came on in the 77th minute of Arsenal’s 6-0 league victory over West Ham in February, but has had few other opportunities with the first team.
Arteta has not given him the playing time that many supporters have wished for.
That made tonight so important for him. He seized his moment as the Gunners’ outfield player to play the most minutes here. On six minutes, his mazy run from the Arsenal half split the rival defence and outpaced many players.
The crowd gasped audibly. His confidence shines through, and he looks to move forward whenever he has the ball at his feet.
Nwaneri’s key will be minutes. The talent and potential are there, but he must play to improve. He would have loved to have had a greater impact on the game at times, but it is unrealistic given his limited first-team experience.
It is unclear whether Arteta will be able to incorporate the 17-year-old more this season. If not, a loan move may be a viable option.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta looks on from the touchline during the second half vs Bournemouth
He will have been pleased with what he saw from 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri (pictured)
Emile Smith Rowe’s exit draws nearer
Hours ago, it was reported that Fulham were close to signing Emile Smith Rowe.
That made his spot on the bench tonight inevitable. Arteta made seven replacements in the second half, but did not replace the attacking midfielder.
A pretty evident indication that the evacuation door is closing. Similarly, he was named captain for the final 20 minutes against Leyton Orient on Saturday, implying a pleasant farewell gesture.
If the rumored sum of £35 million is right, it’s a deal that benefits all sides — no matter how highly Smith Rowe is revered in these parts.
That’s a substantial lot of money, and after a season marred by injuries that saw him make only three league starts, he’s eager to get back on the pitch.
If Smith Rowe’s time at Arsenal is coming to an end, at least he will go as captain.
The ‘Saka and Emile Smith Rowe’ song may be gone, but his important goals in the 2021-22 season will not be forgotten.
Arsenal academy graduate Emile Smith Rowe is closing in on a move to Fulham
Arsenal bring a dozen academy players to the US
Last year’s Arsenal pre-season tour in the United States featured only one academy player, Amario Cozier-Duberry.
This time, 12 young players were brought on the tour since experienced players like Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka stayed at home for extra relaxation after the Euros final.
However, the exits of many young players who were unable to make the first team may have influenced this motivation.
Cozier-Duberry and Reuell Walters are among the talented players that have departed.
Chido Obi-Martin, the academy’s record-breaking star, is also expected to leave.
Arsenal, a club with a long history of academy graduates, cannot afford to continue leaking such talent.
Perhaps this tour will give the young players a renewed sense of hope for their futures at the North London club.
Timber makes an encouraging return to the pitch.
Jurrien Timber’s return, completely healthy and ready to go, was a welcome sight following eight months of recovery from an ACL injury in August.
He played center back. He has a different role at Arsenal, but it is one he is used to.
Timber has played a variety of positions on the backline throughout his career.
Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber holds the ball during the first half against AFC Bournemouth.
The Dutchman physically perforated Bournemouth, for starters. He imposed himself on Dominic Solanke and Romain Faivre whenever they moved forward.
Some of the tackles were made with pure aggressive intent. His yellow card after 53 minutes was definitely warranted.
However, seeing him back and physically able to compete at his full ability served as a reminder that the Gunners now have a frightening new addition who is eager to get started.