Arsenal
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal concluded their pre-season in style with a commanding 3-0 victory over Athletic Club in the 2025 Emirates Cup at the Emirates Stadium on August 9. The win, their fourth consecutive triumph in the annual competition, served as a final statement of readiness ahead of next weekend’s Premier League opener against Manchester United.
New signing Viktor Gyokeres marked his debut with a powerful header, while Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz also found the net in a performance that blended defensive discipline with attacking fluidity.
Mikel Arteta’s side seized control early, with Gyokeres breaking the deadlock midway through the first half after heading in a pinpoint Martin Zubimendi cross from a corner routine. Just two minutes later, Gabriel Martinelli slipped Saka through to double the lead with a composed finish.
The Gunners maintained dominance after the break, with Noni Madueke’s introduction adding fresh impetus on the flank. A late counter-attack, initiated by Saka, saw Havertz race through and slot home to seal the win. Arsenal enjoyed 65% possession and restricted their La Liga opponents to minimal chances, with David Raya largely untested.
FT: Arsenal 3-0 Athletic Club
We’re f**king ready! Bring on Old Trafford.
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) August 9, 2025
A post-match penalty shootout, agreed upon for additional practice, ended 6-5 in Arsenal’s favour, with Zubimendi netting the decisive spot-kick.
Arteta fielded a fluid 4-3-3, rotating heavily in the second half to test combinations. Gyokeres impressed with his aerial threat and link-up play, while Zubimendi controlled midfield with composure and defensive awareness. Madueke’s trickery and Christian Mosquera’s solid cameo further underlined squad depth.
Defensively, Arsenal looked well-drilled, with William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Jurrien Timber keeping Bilbao at bay. The use of a double pivot in midfield offered balance, while positional rotations kept the opposition guessing.
The result provides Arsenal with momentum heading into the new campaign. With Gyokeres adding physical presence up front, Saka in electric form, and improved midfield control through Zubimendi, the Gunners appear better equipped to avoid the predictability that hampered them last season.
While pre-season form is no guarantee of competitive success, Arsenal’s blend of tactical flexibility, squad depth, and attacking variety has supporters optimistic.