Arsenal win behind-closed-doors friendly as big names start

Arsenal kicked off their pre-season campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory against League One side Leyton Orient in a behind-closed-doors friendly at their Sobha Realty Training Centre.

For the game, Mikel Arteta fielded a strong starting lineup, boasting a combined transfer value of nearly £230 million.

Gabriel Jesus and Emile Smith Rowe were the goalscorers, with the latter doubling Arsenal’s lead shortly after coming on at the break.

The starting lineup also featured notable names such as Jurrien Timber and Ben White in defence, Thomas Partey, Fabio Vieira, and captain Martin Odegaard in midfield, and Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah in attack.

By the end of the match, Arteta had replaced every starting player, introducing a mix of experienced players and promising academy prospects, ensuring valuable minutes for both groups.

Arsenal now head to the US where they will face Bournemouth, Manchester United and Liverpool before returning to London to play Bayer Leverkusen and Lyon.

Subs not used: Rojas-Fedorushchenko, Kacurri, Ismail Oulad-M’hand