Arsenal vs Monaco LIVE! Emirates Cup result, match stream and latest updates today

Arsenal vs Monaco LIVE!

The Gunners wrapped up their eventful pre-season campaign with an Emirates Cup victory over French opposition on Wednesday night. Stand-in captain Eddie Nketiah’s close-range volley on the stroke of half-time levelled the scores at 1-1 after Youssouf Fofana’s earlier opener, with a goalless second half giving way to a penalty shootout that was planned anyway regardless of the result over 90 minutes.

As it was the shootout proved consequential, with Aaron Ramsdale saving from former Liverpool winger Takumi Minamino - a timely boost for the England goalkeeper as the Gunners attempt to bring in David Raya from Brentford as competition for the No1 spot - as Arsenal held their nerve to triumph 5-4, with Martin Odegaard, Jorginho, Fabio Vieira and Kai Havertz all on target from 12 yards before Gabriel stepped up for the winning effort.

Declan Rice also impressed on his home debut but it was far from all positive news for Mikel Arteta on Wednesday, with Gabriel Jesus set to miss the start of the season after undergoing a knee procedure. Follow Arsenal vs Monaco reaction from the Emirates Cup live below, with expert analysis from Standard Sport’s Matt Verri in north London!

Arsenal vs Monaco latest updates

• Arsenal win Emirates Cup on penalties

• Ramsdale saves spot-kick from Minamino

• GOAL! Nketiah levels on half-time with volley

• GOAL! Fofana puts Monaco in front

• Gabriel Jesus sidelined with knee injury

Arsenal lift Emirates Cup trophy

20:24 , George Flood

Your Emirates Cup champions for 2023! They retain it after that 6-0 thumping of Sevilla 12 months ago.

Only a friendly of course, but nice for Arsenal to get another trophy and a decent boost ahead of their Community Shield showdown with Manchester City at Wembley on Sunday.

That’s pre-season now done and dusted for the Gunners, who open the new Premier League campaign back here against Nottingham Forest on August 12.

Penalty shootout

20:02 , George Flood

Gabriel scores and wins the Emirates Cup for Arsenal!

Penalty shootout

20:02 , George Flood

Kevin Volland keeps Monaco alive!

Penalty shootout

20:01 , George Flood

Fabio Vieira scores for Arsenal!

Penalty shootout

19:59 , George Flood

Ramsdale denies Minamino!

Penalty shootout

19:59 , George Flood

Havertz sends Kohn the wrong way!

Penalty shootout

19:58 , George Flood

Diatta keeps Monaco ahead!

Penalty shootout

19:57 , George Flood

Brilliant penalty from Jorginho!

Penalty shootout

19:57 , George Flood

Fofana scores for Monaco down the middle!

Penalty shootout

19:56 , George Flood

Odegaard fires home for Arsenal!

Penalty shootout

19:55 , George Flood

Henrique first up for Monaco... scores with a cheeky chip!

Arsenal 1-1 Monaco

19:54 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium

Not exactly a thrilling second period at the Emirates, neither side looking particularly dangerous. Nothing like a penalty shootout to lift the excitement though...

Arsenal 1-1 Monaco

19:51 , George Flood

End of 90 minutes

It finishes all square after a goalless second half.

The penalty shootout, which was going to happen regardless of the result, will now decide this game and the Emirates Cup for 2023.

Arsenal 1-1 Monaco

19:51 , George Flood

92 mins: That looks to be all she wrote after Kohn claims possession following a long throw from the right from White.

Arsenal 1-1 Monaco

19:49 , George Flood

89 mins: Arsenal get numbers up for a free-kick, but the bounce of the ball is kind for Kohn and Monaco relieve the pressure.

A clumsy foul from Vieira then takes more time off the clock.

Just the two minutes of added time have been signalled.

Arsenal 1-1 Monaco

19:46 , George Flood

85 mins: Tierney body checks Diatta and is lucky not to go into the book.

Five minutes plus stoppage time left to play at the Emirates.

Is there a late winner to come here, or will the penalty shootout be the decider?

Arsenal 1-1 Monaco

19:42 , George Flood

82 mins: Arteta sends on Marquinhos in place of Nketiah now.

Monaco have also lost Golovin to injury after an attack is halted by a poor finish from Minamino.

Maghnes Akliouche is on in the Russian’s place.

Arsenal 1-1 Monaco

19:40 , George Flood

79 mins: Arsenal are really pushing to take the lead for the first time this evening with just over 10 minutes left to play.

Nketiah plays the ball back for Trossard, whose deep cross from the left is volleyed into the ground by Vieira and pushed over by Kohn.

Gabriel rises highest from the subsequent corner but a difficult header is off target.

Arsenal 1-1 Monaco

19:38 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium

Arsenal fans try to rally the side after a fairly flat period since all those changes. The likes of Trossard and Havertz yet to really get going.

Arsenal 1-1 Monaco

19:36 , George Flood

76 mins: Monaco made a triple substitution a few minutes ago, by the way.

Vanderson, Camara and Ben Yedder replaced by Krepin Diatta, Eliot Matazo and Kevin Volland.

Arsenal 1-1 Monaco

19:35 , George Flood

75 mins: It’s all action at both ends of the pitch now as Monaco are caught in possession all too easily in a bad area and Odegaard leads the subsequent break.

He plays in Vieira on the right, whose poor cross is easily seen off by Magassa.

Then Monaco come forward and a fierce long-range effort has to be parried by a sprawling Ramsdale.

Arsenal 1-1 Monaco

19:33 , George Flood

73 mins: So close for Arsenal!

Jorginho’s fine pass sends Trossard through on goal, but he shoots straight at Kohn from a tricky angle with Nketiah waiting in the middle.

Trossard then shows fast feet to pick out Odegaard, who bends over from the edge of the box.

Arsenal 1-1 Monaco

19:31 , George Flood

70 mins: Monaco are looking the more likely team to find a winner at the moment as they continue to pull Arsenal’s defenders out of position.

Tierney chases Vanderson, who ends up pulling a low shot well wide of Ramsdale’s near post.

Arsenal 1-1 Monaco

19:27 , George Flood

68 mins: Gabriel wrestles down the lively Minamino to halt a Monaco break and deservedly has his name taken, even in a friendly.

Ben Yedder is then denied by the offside flag as the visitors look to retake the lead once again.

Now the Frenchman is into the book himself after bringing down Vieira down the Arsenal right, with a floated free-kick into the box cleared instantly.

Arsenal 1-1 Monaco

19:25 , George Flood

65 mins: Those changes gave Arsenal a quick burst of impetus, attacking down the left and seeing a dangerous cross steered away.

Now Nketiah tussles with Fofana in the middle of the park and can’t believe he’s not earned a free-kick.

Still level with 25 minutes to play at the Emirates. That penalty shootout could come in very handy after all...

Arsenal 1-1 Monaco

19:23 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium

Pace of the match had slowed down so no surprise to see Arteta turn to his bench. Most of those coming in will be confident of their spots in the team, but Kieran Tierney will want to make the most of this rare opportunity to push his case.

Arsenal 1-1 Monaco

19:22 , George Flood

60 mins: A raft of changes from Arteta on the hour mark - it’s actually seven in total.

Off go Tomiyasu, Timber, Saliba, Partey, Rice, Smith Rowe and Martinelli.

White, Tierney, Gabriel, Jorginho, Havertz, Odegaard and Trossard all on.

Arsenal 1-1 Monaco

19:20 , George Flood

59 mins: This second half has tailed off quickly after such a vibrant start.

Golovin tries to play in Ben Yedder for Monaco, but the pass is overhit and easily gathered by Ramsdale.

The cavalry are on the way for Arsenal, five subs about to come on.

Arsenal 1-1 Monaco

19:16 , George Flood

55 mins: Saliba was unusually ropey in the first half and lucky not to be sent off.

But now he steps up out of defence and shows his quality on the ball, combining with Rice and running at his Monaco counterparts before earning a corner.

Nketiah poses more danger for Arsenal, but the ball is eventually claimed at the third attempt by goalkeeper Kohn.

Arsenal 1-1 Monaco

19:12 , George Flood

51 mins: Arsenal look to get themselves going in this second half as Partey does brilliantly to turn and find Vieira, who picks out Martinelli.

The Brazilian then looks to go at the outside of Matsima before blazing a fierce shot over the crossbar from a tough angle.

Arsenal 1-1 Monaco

19:10 , George Flood

50 mins: This has been a really sloppy start to the second period from Arsenal, who are being run ragged and look so open at the back.

Now it’s Monaco substitute Minamino who stands up a great cross to the back post for Golovin, who cushions a volley straight into the grasp of Ramsdale under huge pressure from Tomiyasu.

Arteta will be fuming.

Arsenal 1-1 Monaco

19:09 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium

That would have been the last thing Ramsdale needs right now. Inches away from an own goal, Arsenal once again looking vulnerable at the back. Was a theme in the USA tour and it doesn’t appear to have been fixed yet.

Arsenal 1-1 Monaco

19:08 , George Flood

48 mins: How lucky are Arsenal there?!

Ben Yedder has an open goal but somehow slides against the post after a great cross from Caio Henrique.

The ball then deflects behind off Ramsdale, who didn’t know anything about it.

An early second-half reprieve for the Gunners.

Arsenal 1-1 Monaco

19:04 , George Flood

Back underway at the Emirates!

Former Liverpool midfielder Takumi Minamino has come on for Monaco, replacing young Ben Seghir.

No changes from Arteta just yet though.

Arsenal confirm post-match penalty shootout

18:58 , George Flood

Arsenal have just clarified the situation on that post-match penalty shootout...

“Regardless of the score at the end of 90 minutes this evening, a penalty shootout will take place between the two teams. There will be no extra time,” the club said.

“If the winner of the match differs from that of the shootout, the Emirates Cup is awarded to the match winner.”

Arsenal 1-1 Monaco

18:54 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium

Arsenal deservedly level at the break, that goal from Monaco really coming out of nothing.

William Saliba unusually rash and could easily have been sent off, but otherwise fairly encouraging from the Gunners.

Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice both really impressive in the opening 45 minutes.

Arsenal 1-1 Monaco

18:49 , George Flood

Half-time

All square at the break in this Emirates Cup clash after Nketiah’s close-range volley on the stroke of half-time cancelled out Fofana’s opener.

A decent game this and plenty of positives for both sides.

Arsenal 1-1 Monaco

18:48 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium

The captain has his goal! He’s had very little to work with so far but deserves that, constantly been making runs in behind.

Arsenal 1-1 Monaco

18:46 , George Flood

GOAL! Eddie Nketiah, 44

44 mins: Now Arsenal are level before the break!

Ben Seghir switches off from the corner and allows Nketiah to ghost in at the back post and cushion a straightforward volley into the back of the net from a few yards out.

Deserved.

Arsenal 0-1 Monaco

18:45 , George Flood

43 mins: How are Arsenal not level here?!

Monaco goalscorer Fofana is caught in possession in a dangerous area by Smith Rowe and Tomiyasu’s pass is picked up by Rice, who bursts through the gap between two defenders before his shot is steered wide by a last-ditch block from Maripan.

Monaco ‘keeper Philipp Kohn then produces a superb save to keep out a powerful header from Tomiyasu!

Arsenal 0-1 Monaco

18:43 , George Flood

39 mins: Arsenal are piling on the pressure now in search of an equaliser before the interval.

It’s a fabulous turn from Nketiah to spin away from two Monaco defenders including Maripan, driving down the centre before slipping in Vieira to his right.

Vieira’s cross is blocked behind and Tomiyasu rises to meet the ensuing corner with a thumping header that is returned to sender.

Arsenal 0-1 Monaco

18:40 , George Flood

37 mins: Partey finds the run of home debutant Timber, who speeds down the right flank but his low cross towards stand-in captain Nketiah is cleared for an Arsenal throw.

Arsenal 0-1 Monaco

18:38 , George Flood

34 mins: Could be 2-0 to Monaco!

Saliba would likely be off if this was a competitive game as he is caught out again and produces another poor challenge that leads to a free-kick only.

Maripan gets away from his marker - it may have been Rice - and has a free header from Golovin’s scooped free-kick to the back post, but he nods off target.

A huge chance for the visitors to double their advantage. Arsenal sleeping.

Arsenal 0-1 Monaco

18:36 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium

Arsenal look over to the linesman but he isn’t coming to their rescue. Looks like Saliba was playing Fofana onside, nothing Ramsdale can do as he watches the ball fly into the net.

Arsenal 0-1 Monaco

18:36 , George Flood

32 mins: Arsenal do their best to hit back immediately, but Nketiah has to settle for a corner and Partey then rises to head off target.

Arsenal 0-1 Monaco

18:33 , George Flood

GOAL! Youssouf Fofana, 31

31 mins: The visitors are in front!

Camara beats Martinelli all too easily and delivers a fierce cross that is turned home by Fofana in the middle.

Partey and Tomiyasu caught very flat-footed there.

Arsenal appeal to the linesman for offside, but his flag stays down.

Arsenal 0-0 Monaco

18:32 , George Flood

29 mins: So many balls going across the face of goal and safe from Arsenal tonight, including that latest one from Nketiah.

Monaco have breezed forward and forced another couple of corners of their own. They are playing some nice stuff in a fast-paced game.

Goalless at the half-an-hour mark.

Arsenal 0-0 Monaco

18:29 , George Flood

26 mins: The first yellow card of this game goes to William Saliba, who cuts down the impressive Golovin as Monaco speed forward and look to work Ramsdale once again.

It’s a free-kick in a decent position, driven straight into the wall. Arsenal quickly break after a lovely touch from Martinelli, but he holds the ball a fraction too long and is dealt with by Vanderson.

Arsenal 0-0 Monaco

18:27 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium

Fans inside the Emirates are keen to cheer anything and everything Rice does, and there’s been plenty to enjoy so far.

Getting forward from the left of the midfield three, he’s already played a couple of lovely balls across the face of goal that could easily have been finished off.

Arsenal 0-0 Monaco

18:26 , George Flood

23 mins: Monaco cannot live with Martinelli, who has compariot Vanderson on toast down that Arsenal left flank.

He beats the right-back twice in quick succession and weaves his way into the box from the byline, but fortunately for the visitors his low cross is deflected onto Nketiah and behind by a fortunate touch from Chile defender Guillermo Maripa.

Arsenal 0-0 Monaco

18:24 , George Flood

21 mins: This game is beginning to open up for Arsenal now.

It’s Rice getting forward from midfield and combining with Martinelli which is posing the greatest threat at present, with the £105m signing twice delivering enticing crosses into the box after that particular link-up on the left.

The first evades Nketiah and falls safe as Vieira fails to gamble at the back post.

The second is then headed back across goal by Vieira, with Nketiah nodding onto the roof of the net from an offside position.

Promising signs from the Gunners.

Arsenal 0-0 Monaco

18:22 , George Flood

19 mins: Martinelli is still by far Arsenal’s brightest spark tonight, but he’s just being frustrated at the last.

Youssouf Fofana plays a great through pass for Wissam Ben Yedder, who bears down on goal and tries to chip Ramsdale, succeeding only in meekly delivering the ball into the Arsenal goalie’s grateful arms.

He should have done much better there, but the offside flag was up anyway so it wouldn’t have counted.

Arsenal 0-0 Monaco

18:17 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium

Leandro Trossard had a brilliant pre-season tour in the USA, but Gabriel Martinelli is responding here to that competition.

A couple of brights bursts already - he looks the most likely to make something happen for Arsenal.

Arsenal 0-0 Monaco

18:16 , George Flood

12 mins: It’s all a bit slow, predictable and ponderous in possession for Arsenal until they suddenly flick the switch.

Golovin concedes possession cheaply in a dangerous area and Vieira finds Nketiah, who slides in Martinelli.

The Brazilian bursts into the box and stays on his feet as the defender cuts across him, but can’t find the angle for a shot and he’s squeezed out.

His eventual attempted cross is seen away.

Arsenal 0-0 Monaco

18:12 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium

First time Ramsdale is called into action and it’s a comfortable enough save for him. With all the talk of David Raya and his potential arrival, now would be a very good time for Ramsdale to produce a confident display.

So far, so good with his hands and his feet.

Arsenal 0-0 Monaco

18:11 , George Flood

9 mins: The first real chance of the evening falls for Monaco!

Ben Seghir and Golovin have been the danger men so far, with the former teeing up the latter to drift too easily away from Smith Rowe and into space for a low drive that is palmed away well by Ramsdale.

Important that Ramsdale plays well over the coming games with Arsenal trying their best to sign Brentford’s David Raya.

Arsenal 0-0 Monaco

18:09 , George Flood

7 mins: Arsenal are beginning to dominate the ball now, looking to release Vieira down the right flank but a slower pass into space allows Soungoutou Magassa to get across and put behind for a corner.

A number of young players in this Monaco team tonight, by the way.

Vieira’s in-swinging corner is aimed at Partey at the near post and deflected behind for another, with the second sent in towards Martinelli but cleared by Monaco, who break well.

It’s a superb run from Eliesse Ben Seghir to leave Martinelli in his wake, but a ball towards Aleksandr Golovin at the back post is crucially deflected behind and Arsenal scramble clear.

End-to-end stuff at the moment!

Arsenal 0-0 Monaco

18:05 , George Flood

3 mins: A fairly quiet start to this Emirates Cup clash, with Monaco enjoying plenty of early possession and probing patiently.

The Gunners then lead a swift break, but there’s a poor touch from Rice to stall their flash of momentum and Smith Rowe ends up bringing down Mohamed Camara.

Chance lost and a pressure-relieving free-kick to the visitors.

Arsenal vs Monaco

18:02 , George Flood

We are underway at the Emirates!

Can Arsenal lay down another marker ahead of the new Premier League season and their Community Shield clash with Manchester City at Wembley on Sunday?

The Gunners are in their new but familiar red and white adidas home strips, with Monaco in black and gold as they continue preparations for the Ligue 1 campaign under new boss Adi Hutter.

17:59 , George Flood

Here come the teams at the Emirates!

A great reception for Arteta and his Arsenal side on their first and only home outing of the summer.

Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium

17:56 , George Flood

It would be fair to say a midweek 6pm kick-off is not ideal for attendance, loads of empty seats around the Emirates.

There is good news though for those held up at work - there will be a penalty shootout after the match regardless of the result.

Standard Sport’s Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium

17:49 , George Flood

Here are more pre-match thoughts from Standard Sport’s Matt Verri at the Emirates, on Gabriel Jesus’ injury, captain Eddie Nketiah, chances for Emile Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira and much more...

Standard Sport’s Matt Verri at Emirates Stadium

17:42 , George Flood

It’s particularly interesting to see Emile Smith Rowe in the Arsenal lineup this evening. He didn’t start a single Premier League match last season, with Mikel Arteta’s reluctance to use him in the run-in sparking speculation over his future, but he gets his chance to impress here.

It’s become a very big evening for Eddie Nketiah. Not only leading the line with Gabriel Jesus out, but leading the team as Arteta hands him the captain’s armband. With Folarin Balogun still injured and attracting plenty of interest anyway, Nketiah now finds himself as the main, and sole, man up front.

Eddie Nketiah set to captain Arsenal tonight

17:38 , George Flood

A surprise choice of captain for Arsenal tonight!

Eddie Nketiah will apparently lead the team as he gets his chance to impress up front in the absences of Gabriel Jesus and Folarin Balogun.

Monaco lineup

17:23 , George Flood

And here’s the Monaco team for tonight....

Gabriel Jesus sidelined with knee injury for Arsenal

17:21 , George Flood

The headline team news though from an Arsenal perspective, other than Declan Rice starting, is that there is no Gabriel Jesus at all in the squad this evening.

Arsenal have confirmed on Twitter that the Brazil striker has a knee injury that needs to be assessed.

That is a real concern given that Jesus obviously missed three months of action last season after surgery on a knee injury suffered at the World Cup, only returning to club action in March.

Declan Rice returns to Arsenal lineup

17:17 , George Flood

So Declan Rice does come back into the starting XI for his home Arsenal debut tonight after that knock that forced him to miss the win over Barcelona.

Fellow new signing Jurrien Timber also starts, but Kai Havertz is on the bench.

The likes of Jakub Kiwior, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Emile Smith Rowe, Fabio Vieira and Eddie Nketiah are all handed chances to impress, with Ben White, Gabriel, Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka all named as substitutes, along with Leandro Trossard.

Still no Folarin Balogun for Arsenal, with Oleksandr Zinchenko, Reiss Nelson and Mohamed Elneny also remaining sidelined.

Arsenal lineup

17:07 , George Flood

Starting XI: Ramsdale, Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Tomiyasu, Partey, Rice, Smith Rowe, Vieira, Martinelli, Nketiah

Subs: Turner, Hein, White, Tierney, Gabriel, Holding, Jorginho, Havertz, Odegaard, Saka, Marquinhos, Trossard

Arteta challenges Arsenal to share scoring burden

16:49 , George Flood

Arsenal have shared the goals around nicely during this pre-season tour, with several players getting in on the act throughout the summer.

Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard (twice) and Fabio Vieira were all on target against Barcelona in LA last week, a trend that is going to have to continue if Arsenal are to pose a genuine threat to Treble winners Manchester City once again this term and also compete on their return to the Champions League.

Mikel Arteta is evidently pleased to have such strong options in front of goal and challenged his forwards to give him a selection headache each and every week.

“We need to score as many goals as possible and if we have someone who scores 25, 30, 40 goals great,” he said. “Gabi [Jesus] didn’t score [against Barcelona] but it’s the best Gabi I have seen for months. Transmitting that energy, that belief.

“He was creating a lot of chaos, a lot of good moments and making everyone better. I’m really pleased with that and the contribution of Kai [Havertz].

“He has that quality and that’s why he’s playing that position with Leo [Trossard]. We have a lot of options up front and they are going to have to compete between them to give me a hard time.”

Arteta offers latest Arsenal transfer update

16:39 , George Flood

Arsenal are clearly focused on outgoings at the moment after their impressive early summer transfer drive saw them net all of top targets Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz as they splashed out more than £200m.

Auston Trusty is joining Sheffield United, with Burnley leading the race for Albert Sambi Lokonga and Besiktas now showing interest in Nicolas Pepe.

However, rumours are also starting to pick back up again regarding potential further incomings with a month left in the current window.

Asked about Arsenal’s latest transfer dealings after the win over Barcelona, Mikel Arteta said: “Well, we have 30 players here which is unsustainable. Obviously, the market is still open and things can happen. We are prepared.

“I’m really happy with the squad we have at the moment. We have improvements to make in terms of what we want to do in games and we still have to do that. Overall really pleased with the team.”

Arteta sends message over Arsenal playing style

16:27 , George Flood

Mikel Arteta admits that the game against Barcelona simply got out of hand, though there was certainly no one complaining inside the packed-out SoFi Stadium as they were treated to a feisty and hugely entertaining goal-fest.

He said: “It got really competitive for a friendly match. It got that way after the first tackle, the first goal. Playing in front of 70,000 people helps create an atmosphere.

“They are elite players and they all want to win. But at the end, I think it got a bit too much for a friendly, but I think the show that we put in for all the people that came to watch was really good.”

Arteta also confirmed that the way they performed in LA was exactly the blueprint he has for his side this season, albeit with obvious defensive improvements needed.

“Yes, that’s how we want to play,” he said. “We want to smother a rival, we’ll play the game we can, but we’ll play the game in any field we go to. We’ll play the same way in any game we play.”

Arteta hits back at Xavi criticism over Arsenal ‘intensity'

16:08 , George Flood

Arsenal’s clash with Barcelona in LA was a friendly in name only, with so many goals, furious tackles and feisty moments.

Barca boss Xavi even complained to Mikel Arteta about the Gunners’ intensity in what was only his side’s first friendly of the summer after illness forced the cancellation of their meeting with Juventus.

He said: “I said to Mikel at the end of the game, it was like a Champions League tie with the intensity they put in. It was not normal for a friendly, but I understand everyone wants to win. For us, it was our first friendly and we went into it off the back of loads of players having had a bug.”

Arteta had little time for those complaints from his compatriot, however.

“At the end of the day, soccer belongs to the players,” he said. “We’re playing in front of 70,000 people and as soon as the game starts they’ll rebel against the coaches to do what they want. As soon as there’s the first foul of the game they’ll start getting intense and they’ll start playing.”

Arsenal vs Monaco prediction

15:46 , George Flood

Monaco have been in decent form so far in pre-season, but Arsenal certainly have more quality and will be keen to deliver in front of their home fans before the serious business begins.

The intensity from the Gunners has been clear even in the recent friendlies and more of the same can be expected here in a comfortable win, even if the defence has looked vulnerable at times.

Arsenal to win, 3-1.

Monaco team news

15:45 , George Flood

Monaco are of course without the services of French defender Axel Disasi, who is set to complete a £38.6m transfer to Chelsea this week.

Adi Hutter is also unable to call upon Swiss international forward Breel Embolo for tonight’s game at the Emirates.

Arsenal team news

15:42 , George Flood

Headline £105million summer signing Declan Rice should be involved again for Arsenal tonight after missing the 5-3 win over Barcelona in Los Angeles last week as an injury precaution after a knock suffered in training.

He will be gunning to make his home debut alongside fellow new recruits Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.

“Dec had quite a strong kick in training and didn’t want to take the risk, he wasn’t comfortable to train yesterday and today, and we decided not to play him,” manager Mikel Arteta said after that eight-goal thriller at SoFi Stadium.

Oleksandr Zinchenko remains a major doubt after missing Arsenal’s entire US tour with a muscle issue, while Reiss Nelson and Folarin Balogun have also both been battling foot problems.

Mohamed Elneny remains sidelined along with Albert Sambi Lokonga, with the likes of Nicolas Pepe, Nuno Tavares and Cedric Soares not involved in pre-season preparations.

Arsenal predicted XI (4-3-3): Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Odegaard, Havertz; Saka, Jesus, Trossard

Where to watch Arsenal vs Monaco

15:36 , George Flood

TV channel and live stream: In the UK, tonight’s game will be broadcast live on Arsenal’s official media channel. A match pass costs £6.99.

Welcome to Arsenal vs Monaco in the Emirates Cup

15:31 , George Flood

Good afternoon and welcome to the Evening Standard’s live coverage of Arsenal vs Monaco in the Emirates Cup.

The Gunners welcome French opposition to north London tonight for a midweek showdown, with the small matter of a Community Shield clash with Treble-winners Manchester City looming at Wembley on Sunday.

It’s been a mixed bag of pre-season results for Arsenal so far, but Mikel Arteta will be expecting his side to build on their thrilling 5-3 win over Barcelona that closed their US tour in a final friendly contest before the serious stuff begins.

Arsenal are the current holders of the Emirates Cup of course, having thrashed Sevilla 6-0 in the tournament’s return as a one-off fixture last summer. A similar result here could set the table for another Premier League title tilt.

Kick-off in N7 tonight is at 6pm BST, so stay tuned for match build-up plus all the latest team news and live updates, with expert analysis from Standard Sport’s Matt Verri at the Emirates Stadium.