Arsenal secured a 2-0 victory over Leyton Orient in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Saturday, concluding their preparations ahead of their pre-season tour.
The Gunners are set to depart for the United States on Sunday. Several first-team players will join the squad later this month after participating in Euro 2024 and Copa America.
With no international duties for some players this summer, they had the opportunity to get some match practice against League One side Leyton Orient.
Gabriel Jesus netted the first goal in the opening half, and substitute Emile Smith Rowe added a second, ensuring a straightforward win for a youthful Arsenal team.
The starting lineup featured senior players like Ben White, Jurrien Timber, Thomas Partey, Martin Odegaard, Reiss Nelson, Fabio Vieira, and Eddie Nketiah, alongside Jesus.
Mikel Arteta showcased his tactical plans for the upcoming season by deploying 17-year-old defensive midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly at left-back. Lewis-Skelly, one of the club’s top prospects, was instrumental in the first goal, collaborating with Nelson before Jesus scored 20 minutes into the match.
Jesus then assisted Smith Rowe for the second goal shortly after halftime, allowing Arsenal to maintain control and secure the win.
With this match providing additional match fitness, Arsenal will embark on their U.S. tour but are not expected to include potential new signing Riccardo Calafiori.
The Italian defender is nearing a transfer to the Emirates Stadium after Arsenal reached an agreement with Bologna.
The deal, worth nearly £40 million, includes a sell-on clause for the 22-year-old, who played for last season’s surprise Champions League qualifiers.
Arsenal will face Bournemouth, Manchester United, and Liverpool in the next two weeks before returning home for an Emirates Cup fixture against Lyon, which will serve as the final preparation before their season opener against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
