Arsenal played their first pre-season friendly of the US Tour this season as they faced Bournemouth at LA Galaxy’s home stadium earlier today. It was a game filled with moments of brilliance and progress as both clubs looked to build minutes in the player’s legs going into the upcoming campaign.
The Gunners had a team with a blend of first-team seniors and academy youngsters as Mikel Arteta gave opportunities to some of the budding Hale End stars amid the absence of multiple players owing to ongoing Copa America and European Championships.
Arsenal Draw with Bournemouth in Entertaining Pre-Season Opener
Arsenal started the game with Eddie Nketiah upfront, with Reiss Nelson and Fabio Vieira accompanying him on either side as Thomas Partey stepped up as a senior figure in the midfield alongside Ethan Nwaneri and Salah. Lewis-Skelly was slotted in an inverted left-back role with Ayden Haven as the left center-back as Ben White and Jurrien Timber filled the other defensive spots. Karl Hein, who recently signed a new contract at London Colney, started in goal.
Fabio Vieira opened the scoring after a Reiss Nelson deep cross, which was brilliantly put in by the Portuguese. Bournemouth had a couple of opportunities, albeit strong hands from Hein kept them at bay. The Cherries did find the equalizer in the second half after a deflection that looped over Hein’s head.
While the game was friendly, you could sense the urgency and push that both teams wanted to put in to come out as winners at the final whistle. You can find highlight of the game here:
White’s Corner Shenanigans Spark Post-Match Chuckles
Ben White, one of the most competitive guys at the Emirates Stadium, who always finds a cheeky way to get one over the opponents, did exactly that when he tried to switch back to his corner antics over Bournemouth keeper Neto. The Brazilian was unhappy about White’s attempt to disrupt his focus with such tactics and was seemingly angry about it at the moment. This is what Ben White did:
Death, taxes & Ben White sh*thousery from corners. 🤣❤️
🎥 @GoonerInDetroit pic.twitter.com/ofkvvhHa9F
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) July 25, 2024
And Gabriel Jesus, when he was speaking with his countryman, Neto, after the game, found a funny side of it with Ben White present right along. This is what the former Manchester City star did following the game:
니네둘이 아까 왜싸웟냐하는거임?? pic.twitter.com/AmJhjNdPw2
— 탈리 (@talysenal) July 25, 2024
Arsenal will now take on Manchester United at the SoFi Stadium on Saturday night.
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