Arsenal concluded their pre-season schedule with a straightforward 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners were dominant from start to finish, taking a two-goal lead inside the opening 40 minutes before adding a late third through substitute Kai Havertz.
Mikel Arteta named a strong starting line-up and his side settled quickly. Bukayo Saka and Viktor Gyokeres both looked dangerous from the outset, stretching the Bilbao defence with sharp runs and quick interplay. The opener arrived midway through the first half when **Martin Zubimendi**whipped in an inviting cross from the right. Gyokeres timed his movement perfectly to meet it with a thumping header beyond Unai Simon for his first Arsenal goal.
Moments later the advantage was doubled. Martin Odegaard played a measured pass over the top to Gabriel Martinelli, who unselfishly squared for Saka. With Simon stranded after challenging Martinelli, the England winger rolled the ball into an unguarded net.
Bilbao’s only first-half chance came when Riccardo Calafiori lost possession inside his own penalty area, but Galarreta’s effort was tame and comfortably saved by David Raya. Arsenal continued to dictate proceedings, with Martinelli and Saka both going close to a third before the interval.
The second half was slower in tempo, with Arteta making several changes and the intensity dropping. Gyokeres struck the upright with a diving header after a cross from Noni Madueke, and Havertz saw a low effort saved by Simon after neat build-up play from Saka.
Bilbao enjoyed more possession after the break but rarely tested Arsenal’s defence. The result was put beyond doubt in the closing stages when Saka’s flick released Havertz from halfway, and the German midfielder showed composure to finish low into the corner.
Arsenal leave their final pre-season match with a clean sheet, three well-taken goals and valuable minutes in the legs ahead of their opening Premier League fixture against Manchester United.
STORY OF THE MATCH
The match began brightly for Arsenal, with early chances for Gyokeres and Saka setting the tone. Gyokeres saw an opening within the first ten minutes after being played in by Martinelli but failed to keep control of the ball. Saka was lively, testing Lekue repeatedly down the right and forcing an early save from Simon.
Arsenal’s dominance told on 36 minutes when Zubimendi delivered from deep and Gyokeres rose highest to power home a header. Three minutes later it was two, Odegaard’s clipped ball releasing Martinelli, whose selfless pass left Saka with the simplest of finishes.
Bilbao’s one opportunity before half-time came when Calafiori’s misplaced pass inside the box was intercepted, but Galarreta’s shot lacked power. Arsenal went in at the break with a two-goal cushion that reflected their superiority.
The second half brought changes from both managers, and with it came a slower pace. Gyokeres almost added to his tally with a diving header against the post, while Havertz was denied by Simon after fine link-up play from Saka. Bilbao’s attack remained ineffective, with Raya largely untested.
With nine minutes remaining, Saka produced a deft touch to send Havertz clear, and the midfielder raced through to slot in the third goal. It capped off a dominant performance in which Arsenal were in control throughout, ensuring they head into the new season in confident mood.