Arsenal easily beat Lyon 2-0 in the Emirates Cup in North London.

Defendants William Saliba and Gabriel scored goals from two Declan Rice corners that were almost similar. Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who used to play for Arsenal, returned to N5.

Before the Premier League season starts next weekend, it was a great way for Mikel Arteta’s team to end pre-season.

 

 

William Saliba opened the scoring inside nine minutes

 

 

While Gabriel’s copy-cat header doubled Arsenal’s lead in the 27th minute

Prior to the commencement of the Premier League the following weekend, Mikel Arteta’s team concluded their preseason in an ideal format.

Here’s how Jordan Davies thought Arsenal played at the Emirates Stadium.

DAVID RAYA – They could have stayed on the sidelines for most of the game and not given up a goal.

Said Benrahma messed up his lines from a dangerous cross for a brief moment.

DAVID RAYA – 6

Could have sat on the sidelines for most of the game and not conceded.

One hairy moment saw Said Benrahma fluff his lines from a dangerous cross.

His first real save came in the 84th minute after a Jorginho error.

BEN WHITE – 7

Such is his quality and knowledge of his role that he can drift through games comfortably, never caught out of position and rarely makes a mistake.

WILLIAM SALIBA – 8

Composed in both boxes. Barely broke sweat in defence and celebrated a simple headed finish from a corner inside the opening 10 minutes.

8Saliba started despite only returning to training this weekCredit: PA

GABRIEL – 8

When he runs in the opposition box at speed, with his power and physicality, there is no one in world football stopping him.

A fine header from a corner after spinning to the back post.

OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO – 7

Dictated on the ball well and pushed high with Lyon struggling to get out. Likely to start against Wolves after a solid pre-season.

MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7

Quiet but efficient first half. Should have made it 3-0 with a shot just after the break that was well saved.

8Martin Odegaard starred against former West Ham star Said BenrahmaCredit: Getty

DECLAN RICE – 8

Pressing from the front and showcasing his abilities as Arsenal’s corner taker once more, teeing up Saliba and Gabriel in the opening half an hour.

8Declan Rice’s deliveries picked up from where he left them in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty

THOMAS PARTEY – 7

Looks back to his best.

Disruptive in defence and silky with the ball at his feet to spark counters, especially when feeding Saka down the right.

BUKAYO SAKA – 7

Tore Lyon left-back Vinicius Abner to shreds with his darting runs inside and out, having a headed effort saved and another go narrowly wide in the first half.

Smacked the post in the second half. Did everything but score.

8Bukayo Saka was unlucky to not get on the scoresheetCredit: Getty

KAI HAVERTZ – 6

Back as a No.9 after playing in midfield in mid-week and was not as effective. Squandered a decent opening in the 53rd minute.

GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7

A real livewire performance that just lacked some cutting edge and coolness that is needed if he is to start ahead of Leandro Trossard next weekend, wasting several opportunities in the first half.

Subs:

RICCARDO CALAFIORI (Zinchenko, 65) – 6

Pushed forward well when given the chance and put in some crunching tackles.

Was met with a huge reception from the Emirates crowd.

8Riccardo Calafiori made his Arsenal debutCredit: Getty

GABRIEL JESUS (RICE, 65) – 6

Forced to shake off a painful knock to his left ankle but barely got a sniff with the game winding down.

Arsenal have a tricky start to the season