Arsenal player ratings vs Athletic Club: Martin Zubimendi majestic as Viktor Gyokeres opens his account | OneFootball

Gunners warm up for Premier League opener with a comfortable win in the Emirates Cup

Star player: Martin Zubimendi

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Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings

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Viktor Gyokeres scored his first goal for Arsenal as the Gunners rounded off their pre-season by beating Athletic Club.

Bukayo Saka struck again just two minutes after that as Mikel Arteta’s side went into half-time two goals to the good.

Arsenal continued to control the game after the break and Kai Havertz scored a third late on to seal the win.

Simon Collings was at Emirates Stadium to see Arsenal in action...

David Raya 6

Had very little to do and this was a quiet afternoon for the Spaniard. The defence in front of him looked far more solid than Wednesday’s defeat to Villarreal.

Jurrien Timber 7

Started his first game of pre-season and looked a little rusty in the early stages. Grew into the game, though, and switched to left-back after the break.

William Saliba 7

Cruised through the match to round off a good pre-season for the Frenchman. Never really troubled all game.

Gabriel 7

Looked fit and sharp as he started a game for the first time in pre-season. Should be ready for next week’s clash at Old Trafford now.

Riccardo Calafiori 7

Back from injury and put in a good performance. Bombed up and down the flank, causing problems. A fun player to watch.

Back in action: Riccardo Calafiori

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Martin Odegaard 7

Started brightly and linked up with Saka well on a few occasions. Rice and Zubimendi sitting deep allowed him to push forward.

Martin Zubimendi 9 | Star player

A majestic display at the base of midfield. Such a classy player and just didn’t seem to put a foot wrong all game. Created Gyokeres’ goal with a stunning cross.

Declan Rice 7

Dovetailed nicely with Zubimendi and played much deeper than he did last season. Found Saka repeatedly with some great passes from deep.

Bukayo Saka 8

Super sharp, right from the off, and terrorised his full-back. Got the goal his performance deserved and assisted Havertz for Arsenal’s third.

Viktor Gyokeres 8

Got off the mark in Arsenal’s colours with a bullet header. Almost scored a second, but his diving header was tipped onto the post. A promising display.

Promising: Viktor Gyokeres

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Gabriel Martinelli 7

The Brazilian’s best performance of pre-season. Cooly teed up Saka for Arsenal’s second goal and enjoyed a few dangerous runs, too.

Substitutions

Ben White (Timber 46’) 7

A conteder to start at Old Trafford next week as he has had a very solid pre-season.

Noni Madueke (Martinelli 46’) 7

Was bright after coming on and almost created a second goal for Gyokeres, but the striker’s diving header was saved.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (Timber 63’) 6

Came on and tucked into midfield, playing high up the pitch. Solid.

Cristhian Mosquera (Gabriel 63’) 6

Looked to impose himself and relished the physical battle. A steady showing.

Kai Havertz (Gyokeres 70’) 7

Only on for 20 minutes, but scored a brilliant goal. Looks quicker and stronger than last season.

Ethan Nwaneri (Odegaard 83’) N/A

Mikel Merino (Rice 83’) N/A

Subs not used: Kepa, Rojas, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Norgaard, Lokonga, Nelson