Five things we learned from Arsenal’s Emirates Cup victory

Arsenal drew 1-1 with Monaco before securing a penalty shoot-out win in their final pre-season friendly to lift the Emirates Cup before their Community Shield clash with Manchester City and the start of the Premier League against Nottingham Forest on 12 August.

Here are five factors that stood out for the Gunners on a warm summer’s evening in north London…

JURRIEN TIMBER VERSATILITY

Originally signed as a CB/RB hybrid, Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber looks as though he is comfortable playing anywhere Mikel Arteta instructs. After enjoying a stellar tour in America, Timber was given the nod at starting left-back in his first appearance at The Emirates. In a match which saw Timber excel, winning the ball from opponents and comfortably controlling possession in the middle of the park, the Dutch defender is on his way to becoming an invaluable player for Mikel Arteta.

PARTEY & RICE CAN PLAY TOGETHER

While some fans assumed the statement signing of Declan Rice signified the end of Thomas Partey’s time at The Emirates, it would seem the Ghanaian international is still in favour with Mikel Arteta. Starting the match in a double pivot with the summer signing from West Ham, it is clear Partey’s qualities are still appreciated by the Arsenal manager. After a strong first half performance in which Partey proved his quality on both the defensive and offensive sides of the ball, Arteta may have more of a headache selecting his starters than originally planned. 

STRIKER CRISIS?

In the absence of Gabriel Jesus due to a knee injury, who Arteta confirmed post-match would be out for the next few weeks, Eddie Nketiah was given the starting nod by Mikel Arteta. After an underwhelming 40 minutes, Nketiah capped off the first half with a well-taken goal following a set piece. But the question for Nketiah remains – in the event of a long-term Jesus injury, is he able to match the levels and output of Arsenal’s number nine, or should the Gunners look elsewhere for centre forward reinforcements? After a stellar season with Reims in Ligue 1 last year, many Gunners are keen to see American international Folarin Balogun get a look in. His absence from the match day squad, injured or not, indicates he may not be here by the end of the transfer window.

JEEPERS KEEPERS

With American international Matt Turner heavily linked with a move to Nottingham Forest, Arsenal will be in the market for a second goalkeeper. After recent reports of the Gunners’ interest in Brentford’s £40m rated David Raya, Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale may soon have worthy competition for the club’s NO.1 shirt. Raya, who is characterised by his impressive ball-playing abilities, would certainly be a great fit for Mikel Arteta’s system. However, with Brentford remaining steadfast in their £40m valuation for a player with one year remaining on his contract, Arsenal may turn to other options to improve their goalkeeper rotation.  

FABIO VIEIRA STRUGGLING?

After an underwhelming first season with the club, Fabio Vieira will be hoping to make his mark this season. Despite a somewhat unimpressive pre-season tour in America, the Portuguese midfielder showed glimpses of quality against Monaco. Being played off the right as opposed to the central position he occupied for the other pre-season games, Vieira’s ability on the ball and final-ball quality became apparent. Though seemingly lacking confidence at times, laying the ball off to a teammate rather than taking a chance himself, Vieira may prove to be a quality squad option for Mikel Arteta this season. Arsenal invested £35m in him last summer from Porto, and while it is rumoured Arteta loves him, Vieira must show his quality more consistently if he is to win over the Arsenal faithful.