3 winners & losers from Arsenal’s pre-season US tour

Winner #3: Gabriel Jesus

While his deputies failed to prove themselves, Jesus showed why he’s such an integral part of Arteta’s Gunners.

It’s fair to say we didn’t get to see the best of Jesus after he returned from a long-term knee injury towards the end of last season, but the Brazilian now looks to be returning to his potent form. His goal against the MLS All-Stars was simply divine, and he was excellent without scoring in the win over Barça.

Arteta said post-match in LA that this is the best Jesus he’s seen for “months” adding that the former Man City man was making “everyone better” against La Blaugrana.

He’s certainly in the manager’s good books.

Loser #3: Gabriel Martinelli

Martinelli wasn’t particularly poor during the tour and he did get on the scoresheet in the rout over the All-Stars, but his place in the side is under threat.

Trossard’s productivity has seen many question whether Martinelli should be Arsenal’s starting left-winger heading into 2023/24 despite his stellar campaign last time out. Remember, the Brazilian picked up an ankle injury late on in the season, and he might not be at peak fitness just yet.

It was a subdued tour for Martinelli, who might need to show the boss something in the Gunners’ remaining two pre-season outings if he’s to start ahead of Trossard against Nottingham Forest.