Arsenal crush MLS All Star
The MLS All Star lineup does not include Lionel Messi. The Argentine striker did not have time to prepare physically, due to the first training session with Inter Miami on July 18. MLS All Star controlled the ball 44%, but created no real danger towards Arsenal goal. In the first half, the home team only caught the eye with Thiago Almada's free kick and Hollingshead's deflection off the post.
Meanwhile, Arsenal started with the squad that finished second in the Premier League last season. In the fifth minute, Gabriel Jesus showed his class by opening the scoring. The Brazilian striker tires from 20m, causing the ball to hit the post, then fly into the goal.
Midfielder Leandro Trossard also shined with a technical tackle. Receiving the ball in front of the penalty area in the 23rd minute, the former Brighton star turned over a player, then cut his heart from 22 meters into the high corner.
Arsenal changed many players after the break. Three rookies Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber all entered the field. However, the English team still dominated the MLS All Star. In the 47th minute, Arsenal raised the score to 3-0. Jorginho scored from the penalty spot, after being awarded a penalty by the referee.
The home team pushed up the line after the third goal, but still could not respond. Arsenal defenders easily neutralized the simple attacks of the MLS All Star.
In the 83rd minute, Arsenal got the fourth goal. After escaping down the left wing, Gabriel Martinelli cut his heart, causing the ball to sink into the far corner of the goal. Rookie Kai Havertz also managed to score his first goal for Arsenal. The $83 million striker picked up a right wing cross, controlled the ball with his chest, then volleyed into the near corner.
The MLS All Star win is Arsenal's second friendly this summer, following a 1-1 draw with Nurnberg in Germany. In the US, Arsenal also meet Man Utd on July 22 and Barca on July 26. On August 2, the "Gunners" returned to England to play the Emirates Cup with Monaco, before competing for the English Super Cup with Man City four days later. They will start the Premier League 2023-2024 with a match against Nottingham Forest on August 12.
