Talk of a potential big-money bid for Lucas Paqueta had dominated the pre-match discussion in the lead-up to Arsenal ’s final pre-season fixture in the USA.
But by the end of the 90 minutes, the conversation had quickly switched to praising the brilliant quartet of Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, who combined to destroy Chelsea 4-0 at the Camping World Stadium.
If Arsenal playing Chelsea was meant to be just a dull, fitness-boosting exercise, clearly no one gave the memo to Mikel Arteta or his 11 starting players. They were sharp and determined to go for victory from the first minute, pressing intently in the American heat and making their fellow London opponents feel uncomfortable every time the ball landed at their feet.
