Gabriel Jesus fires for Arsenal, William Saliba comes of age and Gabriel Martinelli could become a full-time left-back… FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED FROM Arsenal’s pre-season win over Everton
arsenal continued their pre-season with a 2-0 win everton at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka were on target in their pre-season friendly against the Merseyside Club.
Here, Sportsmail’s Daniel Matthews looks at five things we learned from the encounter.
Arsenal continued their pre-season with a 2-0 win over Everton (above)
GABRIEL JESUS SHOOTS AT ARSENAL
It’s safe to say that these early signs bode quite a bit. Gabriel Jesus’ debut against Nürnberg ended in a brace, that first start bringing another goal and an assist within 36 minutes.
The £45m striker finished forcefully from Cedric’s corner before landing on Saka’s second leg, who fell short on Arsenal’s attack. His movement was excellent and his tenacity will add a new dimension to this Arsenal front line. It was here that Yerry Mina did his best to finish off Jesus and the striker was only too happy to accept the challenge.
WILLIAM SALIBA’S FUTURE IS BRIGHT
Arsenal supporters had waited almost two years for another look at William Saliba. This second appearance produced few fireworks, but it is a testament to the defender’s poise and control.
He was beaten by a diagonal ball but otherwise held up well to a challenge from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, then conveniently switched to the right side of a back three for the second half. His return will open new opportunities for Mikel Arteta this season.
DELE ALLI COULDN’T KNOW HIMSELF
Were it not for the boos on the few occasions he carried the ball, it would have been easy to forget that Dele Alli started last night. Perhaps the only highlight of a miserable 45-minute cameo? The former Tottenham midfielder had the ball in the net only to be flagged for offside.
In addition, he touched the ball 19 times and attempted just eight passes — fewer in the first half than any outfield player except Calvert-Lewin. He must have ranked high in complaints per minute, mind you.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI TO THE LEFT BACK WING
For the second time in as many preparatory games, Gabriel Martinelli was transferred to the left-back. The Brazilian has played there before when Arsenal were chasing games but could these be the first signs of a more considered move?
There’s no doubt the winger has the energy to switch up and down but Arsenal will be keen not to contain his attacking threat. The Brazilian was still adventurous enough to drive into the box for Arsenal’s first chance in the second half.
FANS LIVE FOR THESE PRESEASON GAMES
And considering some people thought this “Charm City Match” was just another attempt to add some shine to an otherwise meaningless friendly. Before kick-off in Baltimore, spectators were treated to fireworks and a flyover of fighter jets. Then came the handbags.
Gabriel Jesus and Yerry Mina set the tone and scrapped the first few minutes. Frank Lampard wasted no time before chirping the fourth official. Gabriel and Abdoulaye Doucoure shared another push match. Ben Godfrey flew at Jesus but the Brazilian had the last laugh.
