Impact of Arsenal trio hailed by Mikel Arteta after pre-season win over Man United
Mikel Arteta's side picked up their first victory of pre-season against a familiar foe as they came from behind against a familiar foe in Los Angeles
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta heaped praise on Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz for their quick turnaround after returning to the club for pre-season.
The Gunners picked up their first victory of pre-season against Manchester United on Saturday as they came from behind after Ramsus Hojlund scored the opener after ten minutes, with goals from Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli inspiring a 2-1 win.
Both Brazilian goalscorers competed at the Copa America with their country this summer and arrived late to the Arsenal squad's training camp - as did Germany's Kai Havertz after playing at Euro 2024, and Arteta was pleased with how all three players have fared since linking up with the team.
Havertz and Martinelli played the final 20 minutes of the game, while Jesus started before being subbed off on 71 minutes and Arteta has been pleased by their progress from a fitness perspective.
When asked how the trio had settled in since arriving, he said: "Very quickly. They had a day for a training session but they've come in a very good condition. They know the boys are at a high speed at the moment and they're not going to have time to prepare. They have to catch up to that rhythm and they looked really good."
Arteta said the team coming from behind was "great practice" for the upcoming season, in which he hopes to finally bring the title back to the Emirates after a two decade drought.
"It was a big test against an opponent that's in a good moment and having a good pre-season and we had to find a result which is great practice for us.
"We're going to play Liverpool next which is a really tough opponent as well. Adapting, travelling, different time zones, different places, differet stadiums and opponents, all positive things for us to get better."
The Gunners next face the Reds in Philadelphia on August 1 before facing Bayer Leverkusen and Lyon at home. The club have made one signing so far this summer - securing goalkeeper David Raya on a permanent deal from Brentford following his successful loan. Arsenal are also on the verge of signing Bologna defender Ricardo Calafiori.
As for United, it was a worrying night as they lost Hojlund and new signing Leny Yoro to injury during the friendly defeat.
Ten Hag said: "It’s too short, we have to wait over 24 hours then hopefully we will know more. We were very careful, especially with Leny. He did only 50 per cent of the sessions and that is very disappointing that he came off, but let’s be positive and see what is coming out.”
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