Gyokeres and Zubimendi Steal the Show as Arsenal Crush Athletic Club 3-0
Arsenal concluded their preseason campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Athletic Club at Emirates Stadium, with three separate scorers contributing to the triumph.
The match began with notable intensity as the referee issued an early yellow card to Yuri Berchiche for his challenge on Viktor Gyökeres. Athletic Club maintained aggressive high pressing throughout, attempting to disrupt Arsenal's midfield distribution.
The Gunners experienced some early difficulties in their build-up play from defense, though the Spanish visitors failed to capitalize on their opportunities in Arsenal's penalty area. Arsenal gradually found their rhythm in possession but struggled to create meaningful scoring chances during the initial 20 minutes. Gyökeres showed increased involvement in the first period, receiving the ball effectively during transitional moments.
The opening goal arrived in the 34th minute through a well-executed set piece. Declan Rice delivered an in-swinging cross that traveled across the box to Bukayo Saka, who laid it off to Martin Zubimendi. The Spanish midfielder provided an excellent delivery that Gyökeres converted with a precise header beyond Unai Simon. Arsenal's new midfield addition has demonstrated quality and emerged as a key performer throughout preseason.
Saka extended Arsenal's advantage just two minutes later through a swift counter-attacking move, sending the Gunners into the break with a comfortable two-goal cushion.
The second half saw Noni Madueke replace Gabriel Martinelli while Ben White came on for Riccardo Calafiori. Timber shifted to the opposite flank to accommodate the changes. Madueke operated primarily wide, focusing on delivering through balls and crosses into dangerous areas. This approach warrants attention given Mikel Arteta's preference for inverted wingers over recent seasons. The left-footed Madueke could provide fresh attacking options for a flank that was criticized for predictability last campaign.
Kai Havertz added the third goal after coming off the bench, as the German continues his bid to secure the starting striker position. Summer acquisition Cristhian Mosquera also made a positive impression during his extended substitute appearance. The customary penalty shootout concluded proceedings, with Arsenal emerging victorious there as well.
This represented a marked improvement from the midweek defeat to Villarreal as attention now turns to their season opener at Old Trafford.
Arsenal player ratings follow below.
Arsenal Player Ratings vs. Athletic Club (4-3-3)
Ratings provided by Fotmob
Player | Rating (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
GK: David Raya | 7.5 |
RB: Jurrien Timber | 6.9 |
CB: William Saliba | 7.4 |
CB: Gabriel | 7.4 |
LB: Riccardo Calafiori | 6.5 |
CM: Martin Ødegaard | 6.4 |
CM: Declan Rice | 7.1 |
CM: Martin Zubimendi | 8.2 |
RW: Bukayo Saka | 8.5 |
ST: Viktor Gyökeres | 8.2 |
LW: Gabriel Martinelli | 7.4 |
SUB: Ben White (46' for Calafiori) | 6 |
SUB: Noni Madueke (46' for Martinelli) | 6 |
SUB: Cristhian Mosquera (63' for Timber) | 6.4 |
SUB: Myles Lewis-Skelly (63' for Gabriel) | 6.3 |
SUB: Kai Havertz (70' for Gyökeres) | 7.3 |
SUB: Ethan Nwaneri (83' for Ødegaard) | N/A |
SUB: Mikel Merino (83' for Rice) | N/A |
Subs not used: Kepa Arrizabalaga (GK), Alexei Rojas (GK), Albert Sambi Lokonga, Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Christian Nørgaard, Reiss Nelson