Arsenal continued their pre-season preparations with a thumping win over Bayer Leverkusen at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners raced into a 3-0 lead by half-time thanks to goals from Oleksandr Zinchenko, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus.
Kai Havertz put Arsenal 4-0 up midway through the second half, but Leverkusen pulled a goal back through Adam Hlozek.
That was how the game stayed and Arsenal will finish their summer campaign against Lyon on Sunday, when they host the French side in the Emirates Cup in advance of their Premier League opener with Wolves on August 17.
Standard Sport’s Simon Collings was at the Emirates to see Arsenal in action...
David Raya 6
Had very little to do all game as he made his first appearance of pre-season. A comfortable night’s work for the Spaniard.
Ben White 7
One of Arsenal’s most consistent performers last season and he was solid here tonight. Nothing came down his flank.
William Saliba 7
Eased himself back in with a typically composed 45-minute display. Didn’t put a foot wrong and gave Leverkusen’s attack nothing to feed off.
Gabriel 7
Just an utter rock at the back. First time in pre-season he has started alongside Saliba and the pair looked so solid.
Oleksandr Zinchenko 8
Will face fierce competition for his spot this season, but did well tonight. Great in possession and opened the scoring with a lovely finish.
Martin Odegaard 7
Got through a lot of work, especially without the ball, before coming off just after the hour mark. Looks sharp after a summer off.
Jorginho 7
Classically neat and tidy at the base of midfield. Kept Arsenal ticking over and broke up play when needed.
Kai Havertz 9 | Star player
Played the first half in midfield and was excellent, setting up two goals. Moved up front after the break and got on the scoresheet.
Fabio Vieira 6
A few nice touches and moments, but didn’t make an impact like the other forward players. Came off at half-time.
Gabriel Jesus 8
Looked really sharp in the 45 minutes he got. Pressed Leverkusen’s defence relentlessly and capped off a good performance with a goal.
Leandro Trossard 8
Finished last season in fine form and appears to have picked up where he left off. Scored Arsenal’s second with quick feet in the box.
Substitutions
Bukayo Saka (Vieira 45’) 7
Got his first action of pre-season. Looked bright and helped create Arsenal’s fourth goal.
Declan Rice (Jesus 45’) 6
On at half-time as he gets up to speed. Interestingly played as a No8 again, and not at the base of midfield.
Jakub Kiwior (Saliba 45’) 6
Tasked with playing at right centre-back, which isn’t his natural position. Did fine during his 45 minutes.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (Zinchenko 45’) 7
Continued a good pre-season with another bright performance at left-back. Tucked into midfield well.
Thomas Partey (Jorginho 63’) 6
The sharpest he has looked so far in pre-season. Had a couple of lovely touches on the edge of his own box.
Ethan Nwaneri (Odegaard 63’) 7
Involved in Arsenal’s fourth goal and buzzed around during his cameo. Looks ready for first-team action.
Josh Nichols (White 70’) 6
Got forward whenever he could and linked up nicely with Saka on occasion.
Ayden Heaven (Gabriel 70’) 6
Caught out for Leverkusen’s goal by a ball in between him and Lewis-Skelly. Still young and learning.
Eddie Nketiah (Havertz 70’) 6
Linked with a move to Marseille, but came off the bench for the final 20 minutes.
Gabriel Martinelli (Trossard 81’) N/A
