Arsenal’s pre-season friendly against Bournemouth ended 1-1, but Gunners great Perry Groves believes one guy stole the show.
Although Michael Arteta’s team won the penalty shootout, they were unable to produce a winner during normal time.
According to former Arsenal star Perry Groves, Salah-Eddine is certainly a player to be excited about.Image: Getty
Arsenal faced off against the team in Los Angeles during their pre-season tour in the United States.
Arsenal took the lead in the 18th minute with a Fabio Vieira volley. However, the Cherries equalized in the 72nd minute with Antoine Semenyo’s deflected shot.
Arsenal will continue their US tour with games against Man United on July 27 and Liverpool on July 1.
“And there was a lad last night, Salah-Eddine, who played for Arsenal in midfield right in front of Thomas Partey. I know he only played 45 minutes, but he was fantastic.
“You think right, and Arteta is looking at these younger players to think right: can you make the jump up? How do you intend to behave? Do you expect to be nervous? Will you go ahead and accept the ball in tight spaces?
“Amazing balance. Passing was excellent. And he left after 45 minutes.
Salah was named in the starting line-up against Bournemouth, impressing Groves with his playCredit: Getty
His brother, Ismail, joined him at Arsenal in January 2021.Credit: Getty.
The Dutch-born talent came up via Feyenoord’s junior system before joining Arsenal’s academy in 2020.
He has since spent one season on loan at Hull City and another at Den Bosch in the Netherlands.
His younger brother, Ismail, also plays for Arsenal, having joined from Feyenoord in 2021.
Arsenal’s first Premier League game is less than a month away.
On August 17, they will host the Wolves at the Emirates.
Ahead of the Bournemouth game, Arteta outlined why the pre-season tour was so important for their preparation.
He stated, “They’re incredibly good since we’ll be playing on three different surfaces, three different venues, and different weather conditions. The travel is different, and so is the opponent, which is a terrific preparation for us.”
The 42-year-old believes his players had a lot to learn from the games and said he expected them to maintain their high standards throughout.
“Physically, there are huge improvements to make and team cohesion is the same,” he informed us. “Also, maturing in our culture, earning the right to win games, and improving each time.
“The opposition are going be really tough and the goal is to win the games.”
Arsenal will face Manchester United next, followed by games against Liverpool, Bayer Leverkusen, and Lyon.