Positives And Negatives As Gunners Lose Preseason Opener

The Gunners were handed a shock 2-1 loss against Scottish side Hibernians in their first match of preseason.

Mikel Arteta’s side fell to Hibs in their first match in preparation for the new campaign on Tuesday night at Easter Road.

The Gunners had a host of chances and could quite comfortably have won the match if they had been more decisive in the final third. But despite their chances, it was their hosts who ran away with the win.

Arsenal could have taken the lead in the opening stages of the match but Eddie Nketiah missed a sitter. The 22-year-old did well to rob Paul Hanlon of possession in the Hibernian half but managed to drag his effort wide with just the goalkeeper to beat.

Teenage goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo had a moment to forget moments later. The teenager who had just signed a new contract attempted to clear a backpass but botched it. Martin Boyle promptly took advantage of Okonkwo’s mistake to put the Hibs in front.

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Reiss Nelson also had a couple of chances but failed to hit the target when well placed in the box. This ensured that the Hibs went into the interval in the lead.

Arteta made several changes at half-time, with Lacazette, Pepe, Partey, Smith Rowe and Folarin Balogun all coming on. This improved the attacking threat and fluidity of the side going forward.

Pepe and Thomas Partey both hit the woodwork in the second half. However, the Gunners soon found themselves in further deficit after a poor marking from a corner on 69 minutes led to Daniel Mackay doubling Hibernian’s lead.

Pepe had a golden opportunity to pull one back for Arsenal when they were gifted a spot-kick. But the forward had his penalty saved by Hibs keeper Kevin Dabrowski.

Aston Villa summer target Smith Rowe did pull a goal back late on for Arsenal with eight minutes left of the game.

Arteta will be hoping that his side will improve when they take on Steven Gerrard’s Rangers at Ibrox on Saturday.

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