Mikel Arteta named a rotated Arsenal side on Wednesday as his side faced Premier League rivals Brentford in a friendly behind closed doors on Wednesday. The Spaniard gave minutes to players who have had less involvement through pre-season, with the boss looking to ramp up preparations before the return of the Premier League.
While results mean little in pre-season, the Gunners suffered their first defeat in the summer break, losing 2-1 to the Bees. Victories over Ipswich Town, Nuremberg, Everton, Orlando City and Chelsea all preceded the loss, with one final game against Sevilla in the Emirates Cup final on Saturday left before the real action is underway.
There has been a sense of excitement surrounding the club's performances so far, but Arteta was quick to remind everyone that it is just pre-season. That will likely work the other way too, with a loss, such as the one to Brentford, not meaning a whole lot in the grand scheme of things.
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A rotated side took to the pitch that saw Matt Turner given a chance in goal, with the likes of Rob Holding, Nuno Tavares and Cedric Soares playing in the backline alongside youth prospect Reuell Walter. Mohamed Elneny, Albert Sambi-Lokonga and Ainsley Maitland Niles made up a midfield three.
A young front three of Marquinhos, Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah led the line for the Gunners in the game. A number of youth prospects were also given a chance from the bench as Arteta called upon players who may receive fewer minutes this season, but could be important squad options.
Brentford's team was also shaken up, with only a handful of first-team stars mixed amongst a couple of new signings and some players from their B team. Nketiah was the scorer of the only goal for Arsenal, while goals from Bryan Mbuemo and Ryan Trevitt gave the Bees their win.
Arsenal XI: Turner; Cedric, Walters (Awe 46), Holding, Tavares (Souza 76); Elneny, Lokonga, Maitland-Niles (Patino 85); Marquinhos, Nelson (Sagoe Jr 90), Nketiah.
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