Arsenal 4–1 Bayer Leverkusen: Report by Layth Yousif

Arsenal eased past the Bundesliga champions during an effortless pre-season friendly on Wednesday evening.

While former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka received a hearty – and thoroughly deserved – pre-match welcome on his return to North London after sterling service to the club, the Gunners underlined their intent for the forthcoming 2024-25 season by demolishing their illustrious visitors.

Excellent early goals by Olexsandr Zinchenko and Leandro Trossard were supplemented by Gabriel Jesus’ superb strike eight minutes before the interval to underline Arsenal’s dominance against the Bundesliga champions.

Kai Havertz netted in the second half as nine substitutes lessened the intensity of the match prior to Leverkusen’s Adam Hlozek grabbing a late consolation which also had the benefit of halting an infernal Mexican wave.

Boss Mikel Arteta selected a strong starting XI which included captain Martin Odegaard, as well as Euro 2024 winner, David Raya, France’s imperious centre-back William Saliba, Belgium’s Trossard, and Germany’s Kai Havertz. Along with the fully refreshed Ben White after a summer away from Three Lions duty, following his spat with Gareth Southgate’s No2 Steve Holland during the 2022 World Cup.

Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka – who only returned to Gunners duty last week, missing the club’s US tour due to their exertions on England duty – were on the bench. Alongside talented youngsters who excelled Stateside this summer, including Ethan Nwaneri, Ayden Heaven and Myles Lewis-Skelly.

However, it was Zinchenko - who had an underwhelming Euro finals as his Ukraine side made an early exit – who put the Gunners ahead after only seven minutes.

The former Manchester City defender firing home past Leverkusen keeper Matej Kovar to put the Gunners 1-0 up, before embarking on a joyous run that the ecstatic home support lapped up.

With the crowd still celebrating, Trossard made it 2-0 moments later. The Belgium international showing wonderfully quick feet while executing a marvellous turn to send half the Leverkusen defence in the direction of the No19 bus to Highbury and Islington.

To emphasise Arsenal dominance, Jesus made it 3-0 on 38 minutes. The Brazil forward netting a superb goal after picking up the ball in his own half, prior to embarking on a driving run that saw him drill home a low shot past the increasingly beleaguered Kovar and in the Leverkusen net.

With the match essentially over, Arteta made nine changes during the second half which saw England pair Rice and Saka emerge, along with Jakub Kiwior and solid young prospect Lewis-Skelly. With Jesus, Vieira, Zinchenko and Saliba all making way at half time. 

Havertz emphasised Arsenal’s dominance by slotting home to make it 4-0 before Hlozek beat Raya with a late consolation for 4-1.

Next up is Lyon on Sunday before the Gunners start their hunt for a first Premier League title in 23 long years.