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Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres Shines in Pre-Season Triumph Over Athletic Club
أرسنال fans have every reason to be excited as their new striker Viktor Gyokeres kicks off his Gunners career with a bang, leading the team to a convincing victory in their last warm-up match.
- Gyokeres nods home Martin Zubimendi cross
- Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz also on the scoresheet
- Mikel Arteta fields strong team ahead of متحد opener
In this electrifying prelude to the الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز season, أرسنال dominated Athletic Club with a 3-0 victory, showcasing sharp tactics and emerging stars. With the 2024/25 campaign on the horizon, this match highlighted the squad’s readiness, blending new talents like Gyokeres with established players, setting high expectations for their opener against مانشستر يونايتد.
Key Moments in Arsenal’s Pre-Season Victory Against Athletic Club
The encounter kicked off with intensity reminiscent of a competitive league fixture, as referee Rob Jones issued an early yellow card to Athletic’s Yuri Berchiche just moments in. Both sides pushed forward aggressively, compelling goalkeepers David Raya and Unai Simon to make crucial saves during a lively start. Around the 15-minute point, a lackluster shot from Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta seemed to energize Arsenal, who then seized command of the proceedings.
Bukayo Saka emerged as a constant menace, skillfully outmaneuvering defender Inigo Lekue with clever twists and turns. His precise pass across the goalmouth set up Gyokeres for a close-range opportunity, though the attempt was easily handled by Simon.
Breakthrough Goals Secure Arsenal’s Lead
The turning point arrived in the 34th minute when Martin Zubimendi delivered a sharp cross to the near post, which Gyokeres converted with a skillful glancing header. This display of precise positioning and finishing addressed a gap in Arsenal’s attack from the previous year, resembling the prowess of elite forwards like إيرلينج هالاند in recent seasons.
Shortly after, Arsenal extended their advantage. A pinpoint long pass from Raya was controlled by Martin Odegaard, who then lofted a ball over the defense. غابرييل Martinelli chased it down, bypassed the advancing Simon, and laid it off for Saka to slot into an unguarded net from distance. Arsenal maintained their dominance through the end of the half, appearing fitter and more polished than their rivals.
Second-Half Dominance and Standout Performances in Arsenal’s Friendly
Manager Mikel Arteta opted for a lineup featuring his top players, and the result was a well-orchestrated performance that emphasized possession and invention. The tempo eased in the latter period, yet Arsenal continued to sparkle creatively. Noni Madueke dazzled with his dribbling, repeatedly evading markers. Gyokeres nearly doubled his tally with a header off Madueke’s delivery that struck the woodwork, earning cheers as he was replaced by Kai Havertz in the 71st minute.
Havertz made his mark late on, latching onto a hopeful long ball, shrugging off a challenge, and coolly finishing past Simon in the 82nd minute to cap the scoring.
The afternoon concluded memorably with Arsenal edging a 6-5 penalty shootout victory, adding a fun twist to the pre-season finale.
Player Spotlights: Gyokeres and Saka Lead Arsenal Charge
As Athletic Club began to probe more effectively early on, Saka stepped up decisively, tormenting Lekue throughout the first half. His well-earned goal provides a confidence boost heading into the Premier League, where he contributed 16 goals and 9 assists last season.
All attention focused on Gyokeres, eager to make an impact before Arsenal’s league debut. The Swedish forward dominated the flanks, posed a robust aerial challenge, and executed the intelligent runs typical of a classic center-forward. His header goal captured the essence of a premier striker’s instincts. Though occasionally awkward in possession during transitions, his overall outing was promising, especially considering his impressive 43 goals for نادي سبورتينغ لشبونة in the 2023/24 campaign.
Zubimendi’s Midfield Mastery Bolsters Arsenal
Martin Zubimendi delivered another stellar pre-season showing, dictating play with poise alongside Declan Rice in midfield. His composure and precision, highlighted by the assist for Gyokeres, suggest he’ll thrive in the Premier League. If he maintains this level, including incisive passes, he’ll become a vital asset for the Gunners.
Noni Madueke impressed with his agility and directness against defenders, while substitute Christhian Mosquera enjoyed a quiet but solid stint after entering at the hour mark.
Arteta’s Strategy and Arsenal’s Premier League Outlook
Arteta utilized this fixture to build fitness among his key squad members, with minimal youth involvement-only goalkeeper Alexei Rojas remained on the bench unused, as Raya played the full match.
Looking ahead, Arsenal face a challenging start to their Premier League journey, traveling to Old Trafford to take on Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United on August 17, where they’ll aim to build on this momentum.
