July 17, (THEWILL) – In a friendly match at Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium against fellow Premier League team, Everton, Arsenal continued its successful preseason with a 2-0 victory.
Arsenal’s marquee summer signing Gabriel Jesus produced a goal and an assist as the Gunners dominated Everton in the opening period and scored both of their goals before the break.
Jesus, who was lurking at the far post when Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford whiffed on a corner kick in the 33rd minute, promptly rocketed the ball into the roof of the net. A few minutes later, Bukayo Saka was given an easy tap-in as Jesus prodded the ball into the box, skipping over the entire Everton back line.
The centre back duo of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes for Arsenal were outstanding, and Gabriel Martinelli was at his fluid self, pushing forward from the flank contributing to Arsenal’s overall strength in possession. Eddie Nketiah injected a more enthusiastic play as the central striker in place of Jesus, in the second period.
As for Everton, manager Frank Lampard’s five-man backline, were willing to remain behind the ball, only sometimes posing a threat on a counterattack in the first half. After a promising beginning, their enthusiasm appeared to stall despite the arrival of Alex Iwobi, Anthony Gordon, and Salomon Rondon for the Toffees in the second half.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
