Arsenal 2-0 Leyton Orient: Gunners first game since end of last season

Arsenal kicked off their pre-season campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory over League One side Leyton Orient in a behind-closed-doors friendly at the Sobha Realty Training Centre. The match provided a valuable opportunity for Mikel Arteta to assess his squad ahead of the upcoming season.

The starting XI, featuring a mix of established stars and young talents, dominated possession and created numerous chances throughout the game.

The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Reiss Nelson’s cross found Eddie Nketiah, who cleverly squared the ball for Gabriel Jesus to finish with aplomb.

The goal ignited Arsenal’s attack, with Jesus’s impressive close control creating a chance for Nketiah, who narrowly missed the target. Fabio Vieira also came close, forcing the Orient goalkeeper into a save.

At half-time, Emile Smith Rowe replaced Vieira and made an instant impact, doubling Arsenal’s lead within three minutes. Jesus again played a key role, bringing down a high ball before laying it off for Smith Rowe to unleash a powerful shot past the goalkeeper.

A youthful Arsenal side continued to dictate the pace after the break, with Salah Oulad-M’hand coming close after a penetrative run. Charles Sagoe Jr also tested the Orient goalkeeper late on, solidifying Arsenal’s comfortable victory.

This encouraging performance provides a positive start to the Gunners’ pre-season, with the focus now turning towards their upcoming tour of the USA.