The Gunners took out time to engage the Australian (Sydney FC) in front of their home fans in a Pre-season friendly in Australia.
It was a game that marked the beginning of action for Arsenal after the season finished last term with the Gunners missing out on the top four place (Champions League position) after they had been placed fifth on the League Log.
In the match Arsenal took the lead through club skipper and future Academy Manager (in 2018) Per Mertersacker after just three minutes.
The German defender got his side the breakthrough as the Gunners ended up with a 2-0 win over the host. It was a positive result for result for Arsenal as they began the Pre-season with a win couple with some good individual performances.
On this note we take a look at what we learnt from Arsenal’s win over Sydney FC.
Ozil, the Delivery Specialist
The German playmaker was available for selection despite the transfer rumours and contract talks surrounding his future at the club and he did not waste time in making his contribution on the pitch.
Ozil delivered a pin-point set-piece from the corner-kick and his fellow German did the rest in a kind of German connection as he controlled the ball, shielded his marker before putting it away for the opener. Ozil have produced major delivery from the set-play which Arsenal has profited from over the season and this will be expected of the German in the days ahead.
This was one of them as he made his presence felt in a moment like this when Arsenal is without some egg-heads in the person of Olivier Giroud, Alexis Sanchez and the injured midfielder Santi Cazorla.
No Penalty for Danny Welbeck
The Gunners were handed a clear opportunity to double their lead against the Australian but the English forward Danny Welbeck spurned the chance from the Penalty box. It was a dismal way to miss from 12 yards as even the match commentator acknowledged that it was a poor penalty by Welbeck.
The forward with the aid of his body movement indicated the direction he intended to go for from the spot and the keeper did well to make a save with the plaudits of his teammate.
This is a clear sign that the forward may not be handed the Penalty responsibility any time soon irrespective of player’s availability during match situation.
Lacazette off the Mark
The new Arsenal signing registered his name among the goals in the 83rd minute to double Arsenal’s lead in the tie. This came from a free-flowing move from Arsenal as Nigerian talent Alex Iwobi feed the center forward in the box to make it 2 nil(2-0).
The forward dispatched the ball into the back of the net to mark his arrival with a goal as Arsenal was without Olivier Giroud and Alexis Sanchez.
It was a night to remember for Arsenal fans and the player who got on the score sheet on his debut.
Surely Arsenal fans will be pleased as new signing Alexander Lacazette hit the ground running with his debut goal and Arsenal’s second goal of the match which all but sealed a 2-0 win over the Australian side.
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