Arsenal ran out 3-1 winners over an impressive Orlando City outfit, to make it three out of three in their pre-season programme.
Mikel Arteta opted to name a much-changed starting XI from the side which beat Everton at the weekend. And after a delayed start there may have been some forgiveness had they got off to a slow start.
That wasn’t the case however, with Gabriel Martinelli’s deflected shot giving them the lead after less than 10 minutes. From that point though, the hosts were more than a match and scored a deserved equaliser through Facundo Torres. The Gunners boss rang the changes at half time, with the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard brought into the fray.
And it was that added quality which ultimately proved decisive as goals from man-of-the-match Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson earned them another victory. With just one game to go of their US tour and the start of the Premier League season edging ever closer, Mirror Football has taken a look at the winners and losers from Arsenal ’s victory.
Winners
Gabriel Martinelli
The Brazilian may have been a little perturbed to be included in an XI which was composed of fringe players and those unlikely to start come August 5 at Crystal Palace. But Martinelli didn’t waste any time in showing that he is still one of Arteta’s most potent attacking weapons.
Picking the ball up on the left side, he exchanged a clever one-two with Eddie Nketiah before firing a shot away. His effort went in courtesy of a massive deflection, but it was a strong example of exactly what he can offer this side.
He does still have a tendency to run with his head down when he has the ball, but he has a handy knack of making things happen.
Albert Sambi Lokonga
Of the three midfielders that started the game, it was undoubtedly the Belgian that put in the best showing. Tenacious on the ball and composed off it, Lokonga has the potential to develop into a more than useful option for the Gunners.
At this point, there are still a few players above him, but that’s giving him time to develop away from the limelight and come in and shine as and when he is required. Lokonga made 24 appearances in all competitions last season, with the addition of weekly European football this time around, expect that number to rise.
Eddie Nketiah
The Hale End graduate would have likely made this section even before he bagged the all-important second goal. Nketiah was busy and willing throughout the game and showed exactly why there was such a clamour for him to sign a new contract.
His burgeoning relationship with Gabriel Jesus is also something to keep an eye on. He looked to grow in confidence when his more senior team-mate came onto the pitch and Nketiah was quick to celebrate with the Brazilian after he found the net.
As a pairing, there is plenty more to come, but Nketiah proved he will also be able to deputise when the main man isn’t in the team.
Losers
The first-half defence
All four defenders that started the game could have easily been included after a woeful opening 45 minutes. The combination of Cedric, Rob Holding, Pablo Mari and Nuno Tavares all had points to prove if they are to be in the mix for starting berths next season.
Well if this was their audition, for the most part, they fell flat on their face. Against committed, but limited opposition, the Gunners were ripped to shreds all too regularly in the first half. It was so easy for the MLS outfit to get behind their high line, particularly on the side occupied by Mari and Tavares.
It looks highly likely that at least Tavares will go out on loan, while Mari continues to slide down the pecking order. Cedric was the best of the bunch - but that isn’t saying too much.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles
It’s amazing to think this is the same Maitland-Niles who two years ago, looked to be on the precipice of really breaking through. At that time he was a key cog in Arteta’s side and earning England honours.
But after a disappointing spell with Roma last term, his confidence looks shot and he really struggled in the centre of the park along with Mohamed Elneny. Central midfield remains his preferred position, although there is an argument his path to first-team football looks significantly clearer if he is happy to play at full-back.
