Arsenal 4–1 Bayer Leverkusen
by Layth Yousif

ARSENAL eased past the Bundesliga champions during an effortless pre-season friendly on Wednesday evening.

While former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka received a hearty – and thoroughly deserved – pre-match welcome on his return to North London after sterling service to the club, the Gunners underlined their intent for the forthcoming 2024-25 season by demolishing their illustrious visitors.

Excellent early goals by Oleksandr Zinchenko and Leandro Trossard were supplemented by Gabriel Jesus’ superb strike eight minutes before the interval to underline Arsenal’s dominance against the German double winners.

Kai Havertz netted in the second half as nine substitutes lessened the intensity of the match, prior to Leverkusen’s Adam Hlozek grabbing a late consolation, which also had the benefit of halting an infernal Mexican wave.

Speaking after the match, Arteta said: “We can take a lot of positives from the game, collectively and individually…it was a really good test against a really good team and coach.”

Boss Arteta selected a strong starting XI to face his old friend Xabi Alonso - fresh from leading Leverkusen to an unprecedented league and cup double last term, which included Gunners captain Martin Odegaard - as well as Euro 2024 winner, David Raya. France’s imperious centre-back William Saliba, Belgium’s Trossard, and Germany’s Kai Havertz were also included. Along with the fully refreshed Ben White after a summer away from Three Lions duty, following his spat with Gareth Southgate’s No2 Steve Holland during the 2022 World Cup.

Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka – who only returned to Gunners duty last week, missing the club’s US tour due to their exertions on England duty – came on from the bench win the game won. Supporters also saw talented youngsters who excelled Stateside this summer, including Ethan Nwaneri, Ayden Heaven and Myles Lewis-Skelly.

However, it was Zinchenko - who had an underwhelming Euro finals as his Ukraine side made an early exit – who put the Gunners ahead after only seven minutes.

The former Manchester City defender firing home past Leverkusen keeper Matej Kovar to put the Gunners 1-0 up, before embarking on a joyous run that the ecstatic home support lapped up.

With the crowd still celebrating, Trossard made it 2-0 a minute later. The Belgium international showing wonderfully quick feet while executing a marvellous turn to send half the Leverkusen defence in the direction of the No19 bus to Highbury and Islington.

To emphasise Arsenal dominance, Jesus made it 3-0 on 38 minutes. The Brazil forward netting a superb goal after picking up the ball in his own half, prior to embarking on a driving run that saw him drill home a low shot past the increasingly beleaguered Kovar and in the Leverkusen net.

With the match essentially over, Arteta made nine changes during the second half which saw England pair Rice and Saka emerge, along with Jakub Kiwior and solid young prospect Lewis-Skelly. With Jesus, Vieira, Zinchenko and Saliba all making way at half time. 

Havertz emphasised Arsenal’s dominance by slotting home to make it 4-0 before Hlozek beat Raya with a late consolation for 4-1.

Reflecting after the match, Alonso said the emphatic defeat was “a wake-up call for a new season. We have to forget about last season now,” adding he thought Arsenal were a great club with a real chance to ‘challenge’ for the Premier League title. 

Next up is Lyon on Sunday before the Gunners start their hunt for a first title in 23 long years.