The Gunners boss selected a full-strength XI, with the big names on show for at least an hour. Still the set-piece kings.

New season, new players, new kit, same threat. Then it was centre-back partner Gabriel’s turn, as he also converted a Rice corner and made it 2-0.

Zinchenko keen to impress. There’s arguably no more stacked position at Arsenal than left-back.

Calafiori, Jakub Kiwior, Jurrien Timber, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Oleksandr Zinchenko have all played there under Arteta but it was the latter who got the nod on Sunday. Arteta upping the ante.

Often after a positive first half in a pre-season friendly, the contest can die off when the manager makes a few changes during the break. Not this time, though, as for the first time this summer Arteta didn’t make a change at half-time and kept the same XI on for the start of the second 45 minutes.

Changes, though, were inevitable. Calafiori makes his bow.

Long flowing hair, headband, left-back? Sadly for Arsenal fans it wasn’t a young Paulo Maldini entering the pitch in the 64th minute but it was Calafiori, who they hope will be the Italian icon’s successor.

Calafiori had to be patient for the first appearance but by replacing Zinchenko he was given a warm welcome to his new home. His first involvement was to make a strong tackle before winning a foul of his own after attempting a dribble away from danger.

Once Kiwior entered the fray, the two left-footers became centre-backs and saw out the clean sheet. All eyes on Wolves.

So, that’s it for pre-season at Arsenal – who with their victory lifted the Emirates Cup again – and now the focus is finally on Saturday’s Premier League opener at home to Wolves. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.

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