Arsenal Stars Impress in the First Preseason Game

In Summary

• Gabriel Jesus and Emile Smith Rowe scored to secure a 2-0 victory for an Arsenal XI against Leyton Orient in a behind-closed-doors friendly at the Sobha Realty Training Centre.
• The Arsenal squad, featuring notable players like Martin Odegaard and Ben White, controlled the game, with youth players Ayden Heaven and Myles Lewis-Skelly also contributing significantly.
• The first team will next travel to the USA, where they will face Bournemouth, Manchester United, and Liverpool in upcoming pre-season matches.

North London, England- Goals from Gabriel Jesus and Emile Smith Rowe led an Arsenal XI to a 2-0 triumph over Leyton Orient in a private friendly match held at the Sobha Realty Training Centre on Saturday.

A team including the likes of Martin Odegaard, Ben White, Jurrien Timber, and Fabio Vieira proved too formidable for their League One opponents, maintaining control for most of the match.

Mikel Arteta's lineup primarily featured players not involved in the Euros or Copa America, benefiting from a couple of weeks of training. Young talents Ayden Heaven and Myles Lewis-Skelly were also in the starting lineup, with Heaven in central defense alongside Timber and Lewis-Skelly at left back.

The first 20 minutes saw minimal goalmouth action, but Arsenal's first shot on target led to the opening goal. A combination of Lewis-Skelly and Reiss Nelson on the left wing resulted in Eddie Nketiah setting up Jesus to score.

This goal ignited a series of chances for Arsenal. Jesus' skillful dribbling created an opportunity for Nketiah, whose shot was saved, and Vieira missed from close range.

The forwards kept pressing, and Smith Rowe, coming on at halftime, quickly made it 2-0. Jesus controlled a high ball and assisted Smith Rowe, who fired it past the keeper.

Nketiah and Smith Rowe continued to threaten the Leyton Orient goal, but the visitors' keeper made several saves. After significant changes on both sides, the youthful Arsenal team maintained control. Salah Oulad-M'hand made an immediate impact, with his shot deflected wide.

In the final stages, Charles Sagoe Jr forced a save from Sam Howes, and Arsenal secured a deserved 2-0 victory. The team's pre-season preparations continue with a tour in the USA, where they will face Bournemouth, Manchester United, and Liverpool.