FT: Orlando City 1-3 Arsenal; Watch and download full match highlights and Goal as Jesus sparks dominance, Nketiah scores, Zinchenko in crowd
Second-half performance that lead to goals from Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson gave gunners another win in a hard-fought pre-season friendly in Orlando.
Gabriel Martinelli had given had an early lead, but the hosts, cheered on by a vociferous crowd, struck back before half-time.
Arsenal eventually overpowered our MLS opponents though, to make it four wins out of four in the close season.
Arsenal started a reserve side and despite taking an early 5th minute lead on an own goal — a Gabriel Martinelli shot was deflected past the ‘keeper — the Gunners pulled away in the second half after their first-choice players were brought on as subs.
It was the Arsenal back line that was particularly exposed in the first half with long balls and hard runs by Orlando City. Arsenal defenders Nuno Tavares and Pablo Mari were on their heels on the momentary equalizer by Facundo Torres. The Uruguayan beat both before lashing a grass cutter past goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
That is that. A difficult first half was dramatically changed when the quality came on in the second. Gabriel Jesus may not have scored today but he was certainly the catalyst to the Gunners’ victory.
Nketiah and Nelson getting on the scoresheet was a great addition and they go into the match with Chelsea having won their first two games of the tour.
Gabriel Jesus is on course to make it a goal in every pre-season game so far having scored three already against Nurnberg and Everton. Eddie Nketiah is yet to get on the scoresheet, though and will hope to make an impact too.
Ben White has returned to training having missed the last fixture due to a minor injury issue. William Saliba could therefore make way, with the pair expected to fight it out for the right centre-half position this season.
The wins makes it a four straight winning on the row for Arteta side
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