Arsenal blew away Sevilla with a devastating first-half performance in Saturday’s Emirates Cup tie in north London. Bukayo Saka started an early rout from the penalty spot after being fouled by Karim Rekik, before the in-form Gabriel Jesus helped himself to two goals in the space of just 60 seconds.
Saka netted again to make it four goals in just nine minutes after a combination of relentless high pressing and woeful play from LaLiga’s reigning goalkeeper of the year, Yassine Bounou. Sevilla managed to get in at half-time only trailing 4-0, but it should and could have been worse as Mikel Arteta’s side ran riot and created plenty more chances, with Brazilian duo Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli in particular looking electric.
Shellshocked Sevilla, far behind Arsenal in their pre-season preparations, were dealt more misery when Jesus completed a hat-trick on his home debut late on after Gabriel’s effort was cleared off the line. It was left to substitute Eddie Nketiah to complete the drubbing two minutes from time after being unselfishly set up by Martinelli, with in-form Arsenal laying down a marker ahead of their Premier League opener at Crystal Palace on Friday night. Follow the Emirates Cup reaction with Standard Sport below!
