Arsenal clinched a comfortable 2-0 win against Leyton Orient in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Saturday, with goals from Gabriel Jesus and Emile Smith Rowe.
As part of their pre-season preparations, the Gunners are set to travel to the USA next week for fixtures against Bournemouth, Manchester United, and Liverpool. Before heading stateside, Mikel Arteta’s squad faced League One side Leyton Orient at their Sobha Realty Training Centre.
The match saw several first-team regulars in action, including Ben White and new signing Jurrien Timber in defense, Martin Odegaard in midfield, and Gabriel Jesus up front alongside Eddie Nketiah. The striking duo combined for Arsenal’s opening goal, with Nketiah setting up Jesus to score. Emile Smith Rowe, who came on at half-time, netted the second goal shortly after the break following excellent work from Jesus.
Smith Rowe’s future at Arsenal remains uncertain, with clubs like Crystal Palace and Fulham reportedly interested in securing his services this summer.
Seventeen-year-old Ayden Heaven was given a starting role, while Myles Lewis-Skelly featured at left-back, showcasing the depth of talent in the squad.
The Gunners will now head to the USA for three friendly matches before returning to the UK to face Bayer Leverkusen and Lyon. Key players involved in the Euros or Copa America, such as Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, have been given additional time off to recover from their international duties.
Arsenal XI against Leyton Orient
Hein (Nygaard 70), White (Rosiak 60), Timber (Rekik 46), Heaven (Monlouis 60), Lewis-Skelly (Nichols 60), Partey (Patino 46), Odegaard (Gower 60), Nelson (Nwaneri 60), Vieira (Smith Rowe 46), Jesus (Salah Oulad-M’hand 60), Nketiah (Sagoe Jr 60).
Subs not used: Rojas-Fedorushchenko, Kacurri, Ismail Oulad-M’hand.
