Barcelona manager Xavi was left surprised about the manner of Arsenal’s intensity during his side’s defeat in Los Angeles.
The Gunners ran out 5-3 winners despite falling behind twice after goals from Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha.
Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz were both on the scoresheet as Mikel Arteta’s side recovered from their loss to Manchester United to a record a morale-boosting win.
A brace from Leandro Trossard and Fabio Vieira’s strike helped Arsenal develop a foothold in the game, meaning Ferran Torres’s third for Barca was only a consolation.
Despite it being a pre-season friendly, the two European heavyweights certainly put on a physical contest at the SoFI Stadium.
After the game, Xavi expressed his surprise, saying: “It is not normal to play with so much intensity, making tactical fouls.
“Everyone wants to compete, but it is a friendly. They were playing with another level of intensity. We took it seriously but the main reason [for losing] was the difference in rhythm and match sharpness.”
