Arsenal began their three-match US tour with a 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Bournemouth after a 1-1 draw in Los Angeles.
Fabio Vieira put Arsenal ahead in the first half, volleying Reiss Nelson’s deep cross into the far bottom corner. In a competitive match, which saw three bookings, Arsenal’s Karl Hein made crucial saves against Dominic Solanke and Daniel Jebbison. However, Hein couldn’t stop Antoine Semenyo’s deflected strike that equalized the game.
Bournemouth’s goalkeeper Neto denied Leandro Trossard late in the game, pushing the match to a pre-planned penalty shootout. Ryan Christie’s miss was decisive, securing Arsenal’s win. Emile Smith Rowe, linked with a move to Fulham, did not participate in the match. Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s boss, explained that it was best to keep him out due to ongoing background matters.
Bournemouth concluded their California tour following a draw with Wrexham, while Arsenal will face Manchester United in Los Angeles next.
Arsenal’s Youth Focus
While closing in on a £34m deal for Italy defender Riccardo Califiori, Arsenal is emphasizing youth development to bridge the gap with Manchester City after consecutive second-place finishes. They aim to enhance the quality and impact of academy players at the highest level.
Four young talents started against Bournemouth, showcasing varying success. Ethan Nwaneri, only 17, impressed with a confident run past Marcos Senesi, setting up Eddie Nketiah, who couldn’t capitalize. Ayden Heaven, also 17, showed composure in defense but learned the high standards required when Solanke bypassed him, necessitating a brilliant save from Hein. Salah-Eddine Oulad M’hand, at 20, threatened down the left but was overshadowed by Nelson, who is being scouted by Leicester City.
Bournemouth’s Prospects and New Kit
Bournemouth sported a kit designed by actor and producer Michael B. Jordan, part of the club’s ownership group. Without a front-of-shirt sponsor, they recently signed a deal with Asian online betting company BJ88 for two seasons, ahead of the Premier League’s upcoming gambling sponsorship ban.
Manager Andoni Iraola faces the challenge of improving on last season’s 12th-place finish, with the goal of securing a European spot. For this, he relies on Solanke, who was their main attacking threat against Arsenal. Solanke had several attempts, including a shot saved by Hein, one over the bar, and a blocked shot before being substituted in the second half.
