Arsenal laid down a marker ahead of the 2024/25 season with a demolition job of Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen. Mikel Arteta’s side cruised to a 4-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium without truly getting out of first gear in a sensational performance.
Arsenal took the lead in the eighth minute through left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko, who fired a sweet strike into the far corner from outside of the penalty area to leave Matej Kovar with no chance. One soon became two just moments later through Leandro Trossard, rounding off a well-worked passing move by faking his strike to send a Leverkusen defender and Kovar the wrong way before passing into the back of the net.
Gabriel Jesus then put the game to bed before half-time with a brilliant solo effort, weaving his way to the edge of the penalty area before whipping his shot into the bottom corner, before Kai Havertz got in on the act from close range in the second half. Adam Hlozek bagged a late consolation goal for the visitors. Express Sport takes a look at five talking points from the clash…
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Oleksandr Zinchenko raises his game
Following the arrival of Riccardo Calafiori, questions were raised about whether Zinchenko would have a future in north London. However, the arrival of competition in the squad appears to have spurred the Ukraine international onwards. Aside from his goal, Zinechenko impressed throughout the match and ensured that he was a presence at both ends of the pitch – coming inside when required to create overloads and also holding his width to create space for the likes of Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard.
Granit Xhaka given a hero’s welcome
Despite enduring some tricky patches during his time with Arsenal, Xhaka’s reception on Wednesday evening showed that he is still highly regarded by supporters. When his name was read out as part of Leverkusen’s starting eleven, the Emirates Stadium roared and burst into applause to give their former midfielder a gracious reception.
The roar from the home crowd as Granit Xhaka’s name is read out pre-match. ?????? pic.twitter.com/gFyLvuNMee
— Connor Humm (@TikiTakaConnor) August 7, 2024
Transfer plan made clear by Fabio Viera
Arsenal are in the market for a right-sided forward this summer to provide cover for Bukayo Saka, and Viera failed to stake his claim to be the back-up in that role during the 45 minutes that he was afforded. The former Porto star still appears to lack the presence to cope with the Premier League, and games against top-level opponents, which has been highlighted further by how Arteta is building a physical, strong side. There is no doubt that Viera is a technically gifted player, though his presence in the Gunners’ squad could come under scrutiny if he struggles for minutes and blocks the pathway for youngsters.
New signing’s debut delayed
Many expected new signing Calafiori to make his debut against Leverkusen, but the Italian did not even make the matchday squad. According to Football.London, the ex-Bologna star is still ‘not up to speed with his team-mates’ and thus a decision was made to delay his debut until a later date. After featuring at the Euros for Italy, the Gunners will be holding out hope that their £42million signing will be fit and firing for the opening weekend of the season.
Arsenal star quietens striker talk
Heading into the summer transfer window, Arsenal were expected to sign a striker. However, Jesus led the line admirably for Arteta’s side on Wednesday night to showcase what he has to offer heading into the upcoming campaign. The ex-Manchester City star linked up play well when dropping deep to receive possession and also showed a willingness to run in behind and stretch the Leverkusen backline.
