Arsenal brought their pre-season preparations to an end with a 1-1 draw against Monaco in the Emirates Cup.
The Gunners fell behind in the first half as Youssouf Fofana turned home from inside the box, but stand-in captain Eddie Nketiah delivered the perfect response as he equalised before the break.
Aaron Ramsdale was a timely hero in the subsequent penalty shootout, saving an effort from former Liverpool winger Takumi Minamino as Gabriel stepped up to dispatch the winning spot-kick after Martin Odegaard, Jorginho, Fabio Vieira and Kai Havertz had all scored in a 5-4 triumph.
Standard Sport’s Matt Verri was at the Emirates Stadium to offer his Arsenal player ratings.
Aaron Ramsdale 6
Nothing he could do to prevent Monaco’s goal, having otherwise been solid with his hands and feet. Nearly conceded a very unfortunate second-half own goal, as the ball bounced off him and trickled wide. Hero of the shootout as he saved from Minamino.
Takehiro Tomiyasu 6
Solid display at right-back, though space behind him was at time exploited when he pushed up. Looks more comfortable on that wing when moving forward than when he plays on the left.
William Saliba 5
Unusually rash display from the Frenchman, who was booked afer flying in on Aleksandr Golovin and then was very fortunate to avoid a red card after a fairly cynical trip. Played Fofana onside too for the Monaco goal.
Jakub Kiwior 6
A more low-key evening compared to his centre-back partner, but solid when he was called upon.
Jurrien Timber 7
Real excitement when he does get forward with his obvious pace, which helped him on the occasions Monaco did get in down the sides.
Thomas Partey 7
Confident on the ball regardless of the space on offer. Certainly looks closer to his best than he did at the end of last season, if not there yet.
Huge promise on his Emirates debut. Real threat getting forward from the left of midfield in the first half, putting two great balls into the box from the byline and then going close to a first Arsenal goal as he was denied by a superb block. Faded after the break.
Emile Smith Rowe 5
Pressure to be the creative force in midfield in front of Rice and Partey, but he failed to take a rare first-team opportunity. Not able to get involved enough.
Fabio Vieira 4
Spent a lot of time on the ground, to varying degrees of interest from the officials. Still question marks over his lack of physicality in a poor display that highlights the drop-off when Bukayo Saka is not on that right wing.
Gabriel Martinelli 7
Bursts of his brilliant best early on and Arsenal’s chief threat in the opening period, his pace and drive causing Monaco huge problems. End product wasn’t quite there.
Eddie Nketiah 7
Strong overall display with the captain’s armband, combining his link-up play with the trademark clinical finishing as he took his goal well.
Subs
Kieran Tierney (Timber 63’) 6
Tidy on the ball, offers something different to the other Arsenal full-backs.
Ben White (Tomiyasu 63’) 6’
Fairly uneventful cameo, not tested at the back and limited involvement in attack.
Gabriel (Saliba 63’) 5
Turned by Minamino and dragged the former Liverpool man back, earning himself a yellow card. Scored the winning penalty though.
Jorginho (Partey 63’) 6
Solid as ever in possession, leadership qualities are clear the moment he takes to the pitch.
Kai Havertz (Rice 63’) 5
Very quiet off the bench, yet to really get going in an Arsenal shirt.
Martin Odegaard (Smith Rowe 63’) 6
Went close with an effort from the edge of the box, the kind the Emirates crowd have seen whipped into the top corner before.
Leandro Trossard (Martinelli 63’) 6
Tried to make things happen with his energy on the left, a couple of lovely flicks.
Marquinhos (Nketiah 83’) N/A
