Emirates Cup: The Five Big Talking Points

Arsenal concluded the preseason with back-to-back wins in the Emirates Cup at our home stadium. We look at the key takeaways from the friendlies versus Bayer Leverkusen and Lyon.

Gunners primed and ready

One year ago, Mikel Arteta started the season with a project. He had to reengineer the spine of his team by integrating new signings Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and David Raya. This time around, the manager’s charges look sharp and know their tasks. Arsenal hasn’t looked this good at the starting gate since the Invincibles season.

Can we close the City gap?

Outcomes in friendlies should not be overestimated, but the Emirates Cup served up a timely reminder to realistically expect more from our young talent. Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and William Saliba (average age 23) have a much higher ceiling to reach in their careers. An extra 10% performance collectively from this group could be a decisive factor in the title race.

Set-piece masters

Arteta hired specialist set-piece coach Nicolas Jover from Manchester City in 2021, and he’s proved a revelation. Arsenal equaled a Premier League record in 2023/24 for the most goals (16) scored from corners in a single season. The Gunners also recorded 22 set-piece goals in total (excluding penalties) last term, the highest in the division. Against Lyon, Gabriel and Saliba both scored headers from corners expertly delivered by Rice.

Rice and Partey

When Rice joined the club last summer, fans were understandably excited about the prospect of seeing the England international form a dynamic midfield partnership with Thomas Partey. Due to recurring injuries, Partey drifted in and out of the side last season, but at last he looks fully fit. Against Leverkusen, Rice and Partey complemented each other perfectly.

A successful tournament

Yet again, the Emirates Cup provided valuable matchday experience for the Arsenal squad. In both contests, the team treated the games’ opening phases as a Premier League fixture, scoring five times in the process. As the first match of the season is at home, Arteta will be delighted with comfortable victories played in front of a super-engaged Emirates crowd.

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