Arsenal vs Rangers: 5 things we’d like to see in pre-season clash

5. Kieran Tierney’s Unwelcome Return to Ibrox & More

Kieran Tierney cutting his holiday short and meeting straight up with the Arsenal team in Scotland? Why on earth would he do that…

It’s obviously because he is a consummate professional and outstanding example to young footballers around the world, but it also definitely without doubt has something to do with playing Rangers, doesn’t it?

Unlikely that he’ll actually feature at all due to having only trained for a couple of days, he’ll make sure Ibrox knows he’s there and there is no doubting that he’s asked Arteta to give him a few minutes at the end. Should be feisty.

We’d also like to see Thomas Partey score. That’s twice now he’s hit the frame of the goal in Arsenal colours and seeing the bend and direction he put on his free-kick against Hibs hints that maybe there is someone to finally take over the rancid free-kick duties from David Luiz.

Nicolas Pepe was the best performer at Hibs and seeing the contrast of the Ivorian, who looked sharp and in good shape, compared to Willian was extremely saddening. Only 45 minutes down, therefore it’s a small sample size, if Pepe is in this condition come next term we’re going to have some player on our hands.

Of all the matches between now and the end of next season, the one where you expect the worst fitness is the first game of pre-season. There were no signs of that with him.

Finally, we’d like to see Willian make a 20 yard sprint. Please. For the memes if nothing else.