Arsenal claimed a significant 4-1 victory against Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday night in their second-to-last pre-season friendly before the new Premier League season kicks off.
The Gunners returned from their tour of the United States to a rousing welcome at the Emirates, marking their first home match since narrowly losing the Premier League title race to Manchester City on the last day of the previous season.
Mikel Arteta was pleased to have England internationals Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice back in the squad, both still regaining their match fitness after competing in Euro 2024.
In an impressive display, four different Arsenal players found the net: Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard, and Oleksandr Zinchenko all contributed to the scoreline.
Mail Sport’s Isaan Khan highlights five crucial insights from Arsenal’s latest pre-season showdown.
Arsenal claimed a significant 4-1 victory against Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday night in their second-to-last pre-season friendly.
1. Zinchenko is staying put
The announcement on Tuesday that Oleksandr Zinchenko will don the No17 shirt instead of No35 this season indicates he is not leaving Arsenal during this transfer window.
There were rumors he might depart following the £42million signing of Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber’s return from injury—although the Dutchman is currently being rested due to a minor foot issue.
Zinchenko celebrated the shirt change with a starting role against Bayer Leverkusen, scoring a goal by sending the ball into the corner from just outside the box.
He gestured a heart to the crowd, showing his love for the fans. While supporters appreciate the Ukrainian’s attacking prowess and exceptional left foot, his defensive vulnerabilities have been exposed, especially during counterattacks and one-on-one situations. It was compelling to see him positioned wider at left back and pushed into more advanced roles.
The announcement that Oleksandr Zinchenko will wear the No17 shirt next season indicates he will not be leaving.
This adjustment seemed more suited to his style and enabled Zinchenko to excel in midfield. His best position appears to be left midfield, but if that opportunity is unavailable, occupying a wide left back role with the freedom to push forward might be the solution.
2. Arsenal relies on Jesus’ fitness
Investments in Calafiori and interest in Mikel Merino reflect Arteta’s stance on strengthening the attack. Given that the team scored 91 goals last season—the highest since the 1952-53 season—recruiting a new striker is not deemed urgent.
Gabriel Jesus is then pivotal for Arsenal. His impressive fitness during the US tour has raised optimism among staff, provided he can stay injury-free—after struggling with knee problems for the past couple of years.
Against Leverkusen, his play, both on and off the ball, was exceptional at times, showcasing his pace and skill in navigating through defenders, reinforcing the expectation surrounding him.
Arsenal is counting on Gabriel Jesus to remain injury-free this season as they target a title challenge.
Jesus scored during the 4-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen after an impressive US tour.
He capped off his performance with a goal, charging through midfield from Arsenal’s half and placing the ball into the bottom-left corner. The stage is set for Jesus to shine this season.
3. A touching reunion among friends
With the season not officially underway, this match had a reunion-like feel. Former Gooner Granit Xhaka, who spent seven years with the club, was facing his old teammates.
Xabi Alonso stood on the touchline, opposite his childhood friend Mikel Arteta. Additionally, Leverkusen, whose unbeaten streak last season made them football’s latest Invincible side, faced Arsenal exactly two decades after the latter’s own Invincibles achievement.
This match provided much symmetry, but beyond that, Arsenal needed this type of competition ahead of the upcoming season. Facing a strong opponent like Leverkusen, supplemented by recent matches against Manchester United and Liverpool, aligns with Arteta’s ambition to adequately prepare for another title challenge against Manchester City.
Granit Xhaka played against his former teammates after seven years at Arsenal.
Xabi Alonso shared a nostalgic moment with childhood friend Mikel Arteta on the touchline.
4. Saka and Rice return from break
The halftime introduction of Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice marked the first appearance of both players for Arsenal ahead of the new season.
After featuring in the Euros final, these two, along with David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale, enjoyed a longer break and did not join the squad for the US tour.
Their presence serves as a reminder of the top-tier talent still to come into play just a week ahead of the Premier League opener. Rice gradually settled back in and aims to reach higher levels before facing Wolves, while Saka quickly resumed where he left off, providing an assist for Havertz’s goal with one of his signature runs to the touchline. Both players are eager to make their mark.
Bukayo Saka marked his return to Arsenal after a holiday.
Declan Rice returned to action in Arsenal’s colours following England’s participation in Euro 2024.
5. Gabriel and Saliba: Arsenal’s defensive core
Wednesday’s match marked the first home game at the Emirates since the previous season’s conclusion. In their last outing against Liverpool in Philadelphia, defensive weaknesses were exposed.
This vulnerability arose from an unusual centre-back duo—Gabriel and makeshift left back Jakub Kiwior—playing together in those positions.
Gabriel (left) and William Saliba (right) have been the defensive cornerstone for Arsenal during two title challenges.
With Saliba and Gabriel reunited, the solidity demonstrated over the past two seasons was palpable.
Their partnership has been the foundation of two title challenges for Arsenal and will be crucial if the Gunners aim to claim the title in north London.
Most of Leverkusen’s attempts were neutralized before they could create danger, leaving the Germans with few genuine chances. This was evident when they managed to score only after Kiwior replaced Saliba.
Gabriel and Saliba—a partnership set to instill fear in numerous Premier League teams once again.
