This was the third game of our pre season and we fielded a very strong lineup (4231)
Leno, AMN, Sokratis, Mustafi, Monreal Willock, Xhaka, Mesut, PEA, Lacazette and Mkhitaryan.
Captain for the night was Xhaka. Clearly it should have been Monreal but with Kosceilny on his out and Arsenal needing a new club captain most people here were thinking it would be Xhaka, and it seems Emery was thinking the same way.
My initial thoughts on the line up I would have preferred to see Chambers start over Mustafi and Saka over Mkhitaryan
First Half
Arsenal were quick off the blocks with the first few chances falling to us. We were especially dangerous down the right with PEA and AMN creating chances. Thirteen minutes in and Bayern were still on the back foot with Mkhitaryan just putting it wide.
Arsenal were looking really good – and I don’t just mean the kit. Arsenal were playing from the back with confidence, counter attacking with purpose and winning the possession back quickly. But with all the great play, in the 38th minute Bayern almost took the lead with Muller beating Mustafi to the ball from a cross forcing a great save from leno with another shot on target coming just 3 minutes later.
We went on another searing break to end the first half as Aubameyang picked up the ball in his own half and sprinted forward, laying the ball off for Ozil but he fluffed his lines and it came to nothing and the half ended 0-0 at the break. It should also be noted that Willock made 3 more tackles than any player on the pitch he also won more fouls (2) and had the second highest number of touches of any Arsenal player
Second Half
Two changes in second half; Martinez came on for Leno and Kolasinac also came on (just in time for Sue to watch). We finally made the breakthrough via an own goal in the 48th minute as Aubameyang tried to pass it to Lacaztte. I have to give Mkhitaryan credit for this since he picked out Aubameyang with a great pass.
It was tough times down the right for AMN from Coman who gave him all sorts of trouble in the second half. Aubameyang went on another dazzling run and this time I thought it should have ended with a goal because Nelson was able to keep up and but his shot blocked.
Soon after Bayern were level when Mustafi misjudged the ball – but I actually don’t even blame him it was just simply a great cross and clinical finishing. Martinez keep it level with the game being stretched and chances coming at both ends. But then Martinez found Nketiah with a long kick, and he bullied Sule and got a shot off at the near post with Ulreich making a smart save.
From the resulting corner the ball landing to Jules who then fed Chambers who smartly returned the ball to Jules who the layed it on a plate for Eddie Nketiah 2-1 to the good guys. Eddie, Eddie, Eddie.
Jules should have make it 3 – 1 but he fluffed his lines, again it was another great pass from Nketiah to Kolasinac.
Conclusion
Our first real test of the pre-season and we passed with flying colours. I was dissappoted that the main team didn’t score a goal but they looked great. Although Mkhitaryan set up the first goal he should have been subbed for Mesut we need more pace on the left side to keep up with Aubamayang. Those who want Zaha should look at how we played today. If this is our new style of play, he would actually work but the likes of Saka and Nelson can still do a job. Someone should have known AMN need help on the right, I don’t expect Aubameyang to come back and defend so Willock/Burton should have offered more assistance if PEA wasn’t willing to come back.
Ratings
Leno – Solid first half and made s smart save … 6
AMN – Solid first have horrible second couldn’t cope with Coman at all … 6
Mustafi – Looked solid woudn’t blame him for the goal … 6
Monreal – was caught out far too many times … 6
Sokratis – Looked solid again today … 7
Willock – Had a wonderful game … 7.5
Xhaka – Wasn’t spectacular and didn’t give away the ball… 6
Aubamyeng – wow was magnificent today … 9
Mesut – controlled the game but he really need to work on his finishing no way somone of his class should be miscontrolling the ball when he about to take a shot … 6
Mkhitaryan – Great pass for opening goal and missed a easy chance should not be starting game anymore to much talent … 6
Lacazette – wasn’t his usual self today … 6.5
Subs
Robbie Burton – Solid when he came on … 5
Reiss Nelson – When I saw the lineup was hoping for Saka instead of Nelson but after this cameo made me wonder why people even think we need Zaha, missed a sitter but it was defended wonderfully … 6
Tyreece John-Jules – setting up the winning goal and missing a sitter … 7
Nketiah – back to back games showing his class … 10 MOTM
Saka – looked wonderful again, has excellent close control (Zaha who) … 6.5
Chambers – If am not mistaken he was in midfield and looked damn good … 7
Manager
Emery – Excellent substitutions … 7
Written by Fred1266
Arsenal News 24/7
arsenalarsenal.net 
Nice one, Fred!
Bravo to the youngsters – really impressed with them all!
Where can I get my hair done like Mesut’s? 🤣🤣
Looking forward to Saturday, not only because we play Fiorentina (at 11pm, yay a reasonable time!) But the darts starts in Blackpool – sorted!
Getting closer to the Emirates Cup 😊😊
You’re getting good at this Fred.
Thanks for the read.
That was really good report Fred. Loved the Eddie score of ten. Looks like ‘the kids are alright’ doesn’t it!
Regarding AMN being left exposed, this was something that we discussed recently. He can be passed by a fast wide forward and even with his recovery speed is always going to be second in that race, so it’s imperative that his wing partner (whoever it may be) tracks back to help, especially so if we are going to be pressing high up the pitch and wide open to a quick counter. Even Hector needs help in these situations and he’s not due back till late November (from what I’ve read).
11 pm isn’t a reasonable time hopefully u still get to watch it
I think the Right CDM should help him
I thought Mkhy did OK and he always finds good passes…
AMN needs to play higher up the pitch
Auba on fire and Nketiah showing promises
Mustafi and Montreal _average
How to post s video,?
Hi Fred – great post by the way and I think you can put a link to the video and it should work
Apparently Holding is a month ahead of schedule… so he might well be ready for the start of the season… lovely jubbly!!
Thanks for the write up Fred, really encouraged by the youngsters, by the end of this tour Emery may well have a rethink about who he is going to loan out and who he is going to keep at the club. These young lads are doing themselves no harm at all.
John Jules, very calm and composed in the build up to our winner, nice to see Burton getting a chance, that’s what these lads need, a chance. Maybe it’ll motivate some of our big timers?
When I saw holding and bellerin going on the tour I actually thought they we ready didn’t realize they were still recovering
Chambers in midfield is not bad at all…
Let s sell Xhaka and El Neny. Chambers and Willok are more than adequate replacement
The Express are reporting that United are to make a 62m bid for Auba to replace Lukaku….
Boy if we sell aubameyang we made that man was incredible yesterday seems like he impressed everyone last night not just us
Manu on shit though I hope we don’t let them do it to us again
Watching yesterday game because mkhitarian so slow on the next flank he found it difficult to keep up I was thinking Sanchez would work brilliant in this new system (any thoughts about getting him back)
Mods Also can we ban sue from posting till the transfer window over since she always making doom and gloom Transfer posts
If Crystal Palace think that Zaha is worth £60m then Aubameyang must be worth £80m/£90m minimum…
So true allezkev lol
Like they forgot Zaha not English
Several top quality Rolex saves from Leno. I feel he will be a progressive asset this season.
What u thought about Martinez
What happens after the 22
Fred.. 😱🤣 you know you love my doom & gloom posts really!!
Even if the Mancs are after Auba, I can’t see us letting him go! It’s probably just BS anyway.. like everything else I’ve been reading!
Like Martinez, good shot stopper and seems calm.
Emery, “We are going to play next Saturday against Fiorentina also in another match and we are going to use young players.”
Thank goodness.
Also, AMN is being played out of position with no support on the right. Sound familiar..
Look forward to the next game.
Yea I hope it BS
Yeah I assumed he would use the youngster against Florentina looking forward to see martinelli and Thompson
More doom & gloom, Fred… Zaha has told Palace he wants to leave, with AFC being his preferred destination 😝
lol if a a swap for Mustafi i will allow it
I do like the idea of quality Rolex saves.
hearing martinez is determined to leave
Sorry I meant Beilik
Morning all …
… new post …