Arsenal’s pre-season is well underway with the Gunners taking on Manchester United in Los Angeles in the early hours of Sunday (UK time).
Mikel Arteta named a strong starting line-up to face Erik ten Hag’s side, with Ben White, Jurrien Timber, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jorginho, Martin Odegaard, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus among those starting the first half. It was the Red Devils who went ahead, however, as Rasmus Hojlund made no mistake from close range after turning young defender Ayden Heaven.
It could have been Arsenal taking the lead at the SoFi Stadium, though, as Jesus had a wonderful opportunity inside the first minute. The Brazilian found himself racing through on goal and into the Man Utd box after a mistake by new United signing Leny Yoro.
Jesus did not make the most of the opportunity however and instead of shooting opted to cut inside, which allowed the Man Utd defenders to get back and tackle the former Manchester City man. The 27-year-old really should have made the most of the opportunity and at the very least tested Andre Onana.
This passage of play perhaps highlights Arsenal’s need to sign a forward this summer, something which they are exploring.
Edu and Arteta are keen on signing a versatile forward who can play across the front line with Nico Williams and Johan Bakayoko among the names linked.
A handful of strikers have also been tipped to move to Emirates Stadium this summer such as Ivan Toney, Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen. While Jesus was wasteful in front of goal inside the first 60 seconds against Man Utd, the Brazilian proved he can be clinical later in the half.
