3 standout players from Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with FC Nurnberg

It wasn’t quite the humdinger of 2022 that ended 5-3 in Arsenal’s favour, with FC Nurnberg this time holding the Gunners to a 1-1 draw in Thursday’s pre-season friendly.

While a victory would’ve been nice heading into the US tour, a disjointed second-half showing allowed the hosts back into the contest and a freak Jorginho own goal ensured Nurnberg got something from the game with chances arriving at both ends late on.

It was an entertaining epilogue to the bout, that’s for sure, although Mikel Arteta wouldn’t have been best pleased with his side’s lack of control after a commanding first half.

3 standout players from Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with FC Nurnberg

Nevertheless, there were a few standout performances worthy of a mention.

1. Jakub Kiwior

Kiwior perhaps drew the most intrigue from Thursday’s game as he played the first half in Oleksandr Zinchenko’s inverted left-back role. The defender’s central positioning when Arsenal had possession was prominent, and he was heavily involved in the opening exchanges.

While it wasn’t the cleanest of showings with the ball, there was a loose pass here and a heavy touch there, Kiwior showed plenty of potential in the role and certainly looked more comfortable in central areas than Kieran Tierney did last season.

Kiwior quickly developed a sound understanding with Leandro Trossard, and he wasn’t afraid to venture forward when space opened up. Overall, it looks like Arteta might have something to work with.

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