Arsenal hit the ground running as they prepared for the return of Premier League football with a 6-0 friendly win over Charlton Athletic at an empty Emirates Stadium today,
Arsenal will be in action on the first night back when they take on Manchester City on June 17, and Mikel Arteta's side eased to victory in north London in preparation with Eddie Nketiah netting a hat-trick for the Gunners.
Forwards Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette were also on the scoresheet but Charlton boss Lee Bowyer was pleased with what he saw from his side.
"To be playing against those players... some of them have been playing Champions League for years, playing against a proper opposition, every single position they are really strong," Bowyer told the Charlton website.
"Our players didn't disgrace themselves, they worked hard and tried to do the right things, it will be good for them, a good learning curve.
"It was a good workout. Obviously playing Arsenal, they are a proper side. It was a difficult workout and it was good fitness.
"Of course we were rusty, we were always going to be that but the lads worked hard and put all their effort in and we looked quite good fitness-wise. It was a good test for us."
Additional reporting by PA.
