Arsenal 3-0 Athletic Club: Viktor Gyokeres Opens His Account as Gunners End Pre-Season in Styl

Arsenal concluded their pre-season campaign in emphatic fashion on Saturday evening, delivering a commanding 3-0 victory over Athletic Club at the Emirates Stadium that will have sent supporters home with renewed optimism for the upcoming Premier League season. The match, played under the lights in north London, provided the perfect stage for Viktor Gyokeres to announce his arrival as an Arsenal player, while also showcasing the tactical evolution that manager Mikel Arteta has been working on throughout the summer.

The Swedish striker, who had endured a frustrating debut start against Villarreal in midweek that ended in defeat without finding the net, finally got off the mark in Arsenal colors with a trademark header that brought the Emirates to its feet. His celebration, the now-familiar pointing gesture that has become synonymous with his prolific scoring record, was greeted with rapturous applause from the home faithful who had been eagerly waiting to see their £63.5 million summer signing open his account.

From the opening whistle, Arsenal displayed the kind of purposeful, high-intensity football that has become their hallmark under Arteta’s stewardship. The Gunners pressed high up the pitch, forcing Athletic Club into uncomfortable positions and creating numerous opportunities to win possession in dangerous areas. The Spanish visitors, despite their proud European heritage and reputation for organized defensive play, found themselves under constant pressure as Arsenal’s front line worked in perfect synchronization.

The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute through a moment of sublime quality that perfectly encapsulated Arsenal’s evolving tactical approach. Martin Zubimendi, the Spanish midfielder who has quietly gone about his business since arriving from Real Sociedad earlier in the summer, produced a moment of magic that reminded everyone why he was so highly coveted by Europe’s elite clubs.

Receiving the ball in a central position approximately 25 yards from goal, Zubimendi took a touch to steady himself before delivering an inch-perfect cross that seemed to hang in the air for an eternity. The delivery was weighted to perfection, curling invitingly toward the near post where Gyokeres had intelligently positioned himself between Athletic’s center-backs. The Swedish striker, standing at 6’1″ and possessing excellent aerial ability, rose majestically above his marker to power a downward header past Unai Simon in the Athletic goal.

The technique was flawless – Gyokeres generated tremendous power while maintaining accuracy, directing the ball into the bottom corner with such force that Simon, despite getting a hand to it, could do nothing to prevent the inevitable. As the ball nestled into the net, the Emirates erupted, and Gyokeres wheeled away to perform his signature celebration for the first time in Arsenal colors, pointing skyward with both hands in a gesture that has become as recognizable as his goalscoring prowess.

The goal represented far more than just a striker opening his account at a new club. It demonstrated the immediate understanding developing between Arsenal’s new signings and their established stars, while also highlighting the tactical flexibility that Arteta has been working to instill in his squad. Zubimendi’s positioning to deliver the cross, Gyokeres’ intelligent movement in the box, and the supporting runs from other Arsenal players all combined to create a goal that was both aesthetically pleasing and tactically sophisticated.

Arsenal’s dominance was further emphasized just two minutes later when they doubled their advantage through Bukayo Saka, albeit via a more chaotic route. The move began with Gyokeres, who was now playing with visible confidence after breaking his Arsenal duck, showing excellent touch and awareness to cushion a high ball into the path of Declan Rice. The England midfielder, operating with the freedom that Zubimendi’s presence afforded him, clipped a perfectly weighted pass forward into the path of Gabriel Martinelli.

The Brazilian winger, making his first start since recovering from a minor injury sustained during the tour of the United States, showed no signs of rustiness as he latched onto Rice’s pass and surged toward the Athletic penalty area. Unai Simon, perhaps unsettled by the rapid succession of Arsenal attacks, made a crucial error in judgment by rushing off his line in an attempt to narrow the angle. However, Martinelli’s pace and close control allowed him to round the goalkeeper, and although the angle was tight, he demonstrated admirable composure by squaring the ball across the face of goal rather than attempting a difficult finish himself

The unselfish pass found Saka arriving at the far post with the goal at his mercy. The England international, who had been relatively quiet in the opening exchanges, made no mistake with the simplest of finishes, tapping the ball into an empty net to send the Emirates into raptures once more. The goal was Saka’s second in pre-season and continued his excellent form that had seen him become one of Arsenal’s most consistent performers over the previous campaign.

The two-goal cushion allowed Arsenal to demonstrate the tactical sophistication that Arteta has been developing throughout the summer. Rather than sitting back and protecting their lead, the Gunners continued to press forward, showcasing the kind of attacking intent that their supporters have become accustomed to. The interplay between Gyokeres and his new teammates was particularly encouraging, with the Swedish striker showing flashes of the link-up play that made him such a devastating force at Sporting CP.

One notable aspect of Arsenal’s first-half performance was the way in which Zubimendi and Rice operated in midfield. The Spanish international’s arrival has provided Arteta with tactical options that were previously unavailable, allowing Rice to push forward more frequently while knowing that Zubimendi could provide defensive cover. There were several instances where the two players effectively switched positions, with Rice making surging runs into advanced areas while Zubimendi dropped deeper to shield the defense.

This flexibility was exactly what Arteta had envisioned when he made Zubimendi one of his priority targets during the summer transfer window. The former Real Sociedad captain brings not only technical quality but also tactical intelligence that allows Arsenal to be more unpredictable in their approach play. His range of passing was on full display throughout the first half, with several defense-splitting passes that created opportunities for Arsenal’s attacking players.

Martin Ødegaard, operating in his familiar number 10 role, also benefited from having two natural defensive midfielders behind him. The Norwegian captain was given license to drift into wide positions and create overloads, safe in the knowledge that both Zubimendi and Rice were providing adequate protection for the back four. His movement and passing were instrumental in several Arsenal attacks, including the move that led to their second goal.

The interval provided Arteta with an opportunity to make tactical adjustments and give playing time to squad members who had featured less prominently during pre-season. The introduction of Noni Madueke at halftime was particularly noteworthy, as the young winger had been impressive in training but had limited opportunities to showcase his abilities in match situations.

However, it was Gyokeres who continued to be the focal point of Arsenal’s attacking play in the second half. The Swedish striker appeared to be growing in confidence with every touch, showing the kind of hold-up play and link-up ability that had made him such a coveted target during the summer transfer window. His physical presence caused constant problems for Athletic’s center-backs, while his intelligent movement created space for his teammates to exploit.

One particular sequence in the 58th minute perfectly encapsulated Gyokeres’ improving understanding with his new colleagues. Receiving the ball with his back to goal under pressure from two Athletic defenders, the striker used his considerable strength to shield the ball before executing a deft touch that released Saka into space on the right flank. The pass was weighted to perfection, allowing Saka to continue his run without breaking stride and create a dangerous crossing opportunity.

Gyokeres’ movement off the ball was equally impressive, with several runs into the channels being picked out by passes from both Zubimendi and Ødegaard. These movements not only created scoring opportunities for the striker himself but also dragged Athletic’s defensive line out of position, creating space for Arsenal’s other attacking players to exploit.

The Swedish international came agonizingly close to doubling his tally in the 67th minute with a header that showcased both his aerial ability and predatory instincts. Madueke, who had been lively since his introduction, delivered a teasing cross from the right flank that perfectly picked out Gyokeres’ run toward the near post. The striker’s diving header was destined for the bottom corner until Simon produced a magnificent reflex save, palming the ball onto the post and away to safety.

It was a save worthy of keeping out a goal, and Gyokeres could only smile and applaud as he picked himself up from the turf. The near miss demonstrated that he was settling quickly into his new surroundings and developing the kind of understanding with his teammates that had made him so prolific in Portugal.

Gyokeres’ replacement in the 70th minute provided the perfect opportunity for Kai Havertz to stake his claim for a starting position when the Premier League season begins next weekend. The German international, who had endured a mixed first season at Arsenal but had shown signs of improvement toward the end of the previous campaign, needed no second invitation to make his mark on the match.

Havertz’s winning goal in the 78th minute was a thing of beauty that perfectly demonstrated his unique blend of technical ability and physical attributes. The move began when Athletic’s attempted clearance from a corner kick fell kindly for the German midfielder just inside his own half. Showing an excellent first touch to bring the ball under control, Havertz immediately identified the space in behind Athletic’s defensive line and set off on a surging run that took him past three opposing players.

The German’s turn of pace was particularly impressive, as he accelerated smoothly past the halfway line and into Athletic’s defensive third while maintaining perfect control of the ball. As he approached the penalty area, an Athletic defender made a desperate sliding challenge, but Havertz showed excellent balance and strength to ride the tackle and maintain his momentum.

With only Simon to beat, Havertz demonstrated the composure that had been occasionally lacking during his debut season at Arsenal. Rather than rushing his finish, the German took an extra touch to steady himself before firing a low, left-footed shot across the goalkeeper and into the bottom corner. The finish was clinical in its execution, giving Simon no chance despite the goalkeeper getting down quickly to his right.

The goal was Havertz’s third in pre-season and provided the perfect end to an excellent team performance. His celebration was understated but clearly emotional, as he was mobbed by his teammates who recognized the importance of the goal for both the player and the team’s confidence heading into the new season.

Speaking after the match, Arteta was effusive in his praise for Gyokeres’ performance and issued a warning to Arsenal’s Premier League rivals about what the striker could bring to his team. “Everything he does is on instinct,” the Spanish manager explained. “That’s why he’s scored so many goals in the last few seasons. His threat is obvious – he pins both center-backs and creates space for everyone else.”

The Arsenal manager was particularly impressed with how quickly Gyokeres had adapted to his new surroundings and the tactical demands of the Premier League. “He is a player that the moment you leave him with space one-on-one, he is going to destroy you,” Arteta continued. “In any moment or situation, he is a player that can score a goal. That first goal was very important, and the way he took it was really good.”

Arteta also highlighted the importance of the connections that were developing between his new signings and the established members of his squad. “We are developing certain connections with the new players,” he noted. “It was very good to see. When Kai came in, I think the goal he scored was top as well. Raising the level of everybody is going to help us because at this level, we need the very best from everyone.”

While Gyokeres understandably grabbed the headlines with his first Arsenal goal, it was the performance of Zubimendi that may prove to be equally significant in the context of Arsenal’s upcoming campaign. The Spanish midfielder’s display against Athletic Club showcased exactly why Arteta was so determined to secure his services during the summer transfer window.

Zubimendi’s technical ability was never in doubt – players who represent Spain at international level rarely lack quality on the ball. However, his performance at the Emirates demonstrated the other aspects of his game that could make him indispensable to Arsenal’s cause. His tenacious tackling and ability to read the game defensively provide Arteta with the kind of tactical flexibility that top-level coaches crave.

The 26-year-old’s positioning was exemplary throughout the match, whether he was dropping deep to collect the ball from the center-backs or pushing forward to support attacks. His interchanging with Rice provided Arsenal with a different dimension in midfield, allowing both players to maximize their strengths while covering for each other’s occasional forays out of position.

Perhaps most importantly, Zubimendi’s presence allows Rice to express the more attacking side of his game that was sometimes suppressed when he was required to be Arsenal’s primary defensive midfielder. The partnership between the two players looks natural and instinctive, despite having had only a few weeks to develop their understanding.

Arsenal’s comprehensive victory over Athletic Club provides the perfect platform for next weekend’s Premier League opener against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The performance showcased the depth and quality that Arteta has at his disposal, while also highlighting the tactical evolution that could make Arsenal genuine title contenders this season.

The question of who starts up front at Old Trafford – Gyokeres or Havertz – is a welcome dilemma for Arteta to have. Both players finished the pre-season campaign strongly, and both bring different qualities that could trouble United’s defense. Gyokeres offers the more traditional striker’s threat with his physical presence and clinical finishing, while Havertz provides greater tactical flexibility with his ability to drop deep and link play.

The midfield partnership of Zubimendi and Rice looks set to be one of the most formidable in the Premier League this season. Their combination of technical ability, physical presence, and tactical intelligence could provide the foundation for a sustained title challenge

Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Athletic Club was more than just a successful end to their pre-season campaign – it was a statement of intent for the season ahead. The performance showcased the tactical sophistication that Arteta has developed, the quality of the new signings, and the hunger of a squad that believes it can compete for the biggest prizes.

Gyokeres’ first goal will rightly grab the headlines, but the overall team performance was equally impressive. From Zubimendi’s cultured display in midfield to Havertz’s match-sealing goal, every Arsenal player who took the field contributed to a result that will have sent supporters home dreaming of what might be possible this season.

As the Gunners prepare for their Premier League opener at Old Trafford, they do so with confidence, momentum, and a squad that appears deeper and more versatile than ever before. The real test begins next weekend, but based on this evidence, Arsenal look ready to meet whatever challenges lie ahead.