Arsenal’s preseason got underway with a shootout victory over Bournemouth that left fans a bit underwhelmed.
The match, held at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, ended 1-1 after regulation, with Fabio Vieira scoring Arsenal’s only goal in the 18th minute.
Reiss Nelson provided the assist, but a goal from Antoine Semenyo in the 73rd minute leveled the score.
Arsenal eventually won the shootout on the sixth penalty kick.
One of the biggest questions from last season has resurfaced: who will play left back? With Jurrien Timber sidelined by a long-term injury, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Jakub Kiwior, and Oleksandr Zinchenko had to fill in with varying degrees of success.
Tomiyasu, the most reliable of the options, is injured again, and the anticipated signing Riccardo Calafiori isn’t with Arsenal yet.
This opened the door for Myles Lewis-Skelly to start at left back.
Lewis-Skelly, who’s been training with the first team for a while, has mostly played in midfield for the academy.
Mikel Arteta is shaping him into a new kind of left back, similar to Zinchenko.
The 17-year-old stood out during the game with solid defensive work and impressive ability to invert into midfield.
His performance was promising, showing he could be a valuable addition to the squad this season.
Ethan Nwaneri, who made history as the youngest-ever Premier League player in September 2022, had a crucial opportunity to prove himself.
He came on in the 77th minute and made an impact with his dynamic play.
His confidence was evident as he pushed forward and created chances, although his minutes on the field were still limited.
For Nwaneri, more playing time will be key to his development.
If Arteta doesn’t integrate him more, a loan move might be a good option.
Smith Rowe’s Future Uncertain
Earlier in the day, it was reported that Fulham is close to signing Emile Smith Rowe.
His absence from the game and lack of substitution in the second half hinted at a possible exit.
The reported £35 million transfer fee could benefit both Arsenal and Smith Rowe, who has struggled with injuries and played just three league games last season.
If this is the end for him at Arsenal, his final moments as a Gunner included a stint as captain, marking a bittersweet farewell.
Academy Players Make Their Mark
Unlike last year’s US preseason tour, which saw only one academy player, this time Arsenal brought 12 young talents.
With senior players like Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka resting after the Euros, the opportunity for academy players like Amario Cozier-Duberry and Reuell Walters increased.
Arsenal’s history with academy graduates means they can’t afford to lose more talent.
This tour could be a turning point for these young players, giving them a chance to secure their future at the club.
Timber’s Promising Return
It was great to see Jurrien Timber back on the field after eight months of recovery from an ACL injury.
He was deployed at centre back, a role he’s familiar with but less frequently used at Arsenal.
Timber showed his physicality and defensive prowess, making life difficult for Bournemouth’s attackers.
His aggressive play and yellow card demonstrated his readiness to contribute fully.
Timber’s return is a positive sign for Arsenal, adding strength to their defensive options.
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