Arsenal tumbled to a 2-1 defeat against Lyon in the Emirates Cup after a familiar lapse of concentration undid Unai Emery’s side’s strong start.
After a strong start, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang gave the Gunners a deserved lead, turning in Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s rifled cross after 35 minutes.
However, the Gunners were made to pay for switching off in the second half when Moussa Dembele stole into the box unmarked to head home the equaliser. Nine minutes later, after Gabriel Martinelli’s effort was ruled outside, the French striker put Lyon ahead with a cool finish into the bottom corner. Relive all the action below.
Welcome to The Independent's live coverage of the Emirates Cup pre-season tournament, with Arsenal Women taking on Bayern Munich and Arsenal's mens' side taking on Lyon.
Arsenal Women just suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich at the Emirates, and the men's team - who are up next - will be hoping for a better result. Here's how the Gunners line up against Lyon:
Summer signing Dani Ceballos does not start, but is likely to come off the bench today to make his first appearance for Arsenal. The Spaniard joined Unai Emery's side earlier this week on a season-long loan from Real Madrid.
Here's the Lyon team, with new additions Thiago Mendes and Jean Lucas in the midfield.
Let's take a look at Arsenal's pre-season results so far.
It's been a largely promising summer on the pitch for Emery's team, with wins against Bayern Munich (2-1), Fiorentina (3-0) and Colorado Rapids (3-0).
The Gunners' only pre-season defeat came against Real Madrid, as the north Londoners lost on penalties after drawing 2-2 in normal time.
Sokratis, who was sent off in that game, is included in Arsenal's starting line-up today, but so are Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, both of whom scored against Real.
Visitors Lyon are looking for their first victory of the summer, having lost to Swiss side Servette and Serie A's Genoa in friendlies earlier this month.
They meet a familiar face in Lacazette, who left the Ligue 1 club for Arsenal two summers ago.
Juventus midfielder Sami Khedira is in the crowd at the Emirates today and has been linked with a move to Arsenal.
Could the 32-year-old be a useful addition to Unai Emery's side, or is he seven years too late?
Both teams and the fans at the Emirates are observing a minute's silence to honour Arsenal Invincible Jose Antonio Reyes, who passed away in June.
Lyon kick off and we're underway.
Arsenal threaten almost immediately, with Aubameyang surging up the right wing before crossing to Lacazette. The Frenchman can't quite control the ball though, and it falls to Henrik Mkhitaryan, whose shot is blocked.
Lyon win a corner on the right and it's Memphis Depay who takes. The Netherlands international's outswinging ball is beaten away by Bernd Leno at the near post. Arsenal are back in possession, but Lyon are pressing with real vigour at the moment.
Matteo Guendouzi combines well with Mkhitaryan and Lacazette, and the French striker is able to get a right-footed shot off just outside the box. It's dragged wide of Anthony Lopes' right post, however.
Neither team has really settled in these opening 10 minutes. Both sides are pressing well and dispossessing the opposition regularly. Guendouzi has stood out so far for Arsenal though. The 20-year-old is constantly looking to get forward when receiving the ball in midfield.
A decent cross from Nacho Monreal on the left wing is headed behind for an Arsenal corner. Nothing comes of it, but the home side hang on to the ball and soon earn another corner. Nothing to shout about in the direct aftermath, but a slick Gunners move ends with Monreal going down in the box and wanting a penalty. The referee waves off the Spaniard's claims.
An early substitution for Arsenal sees Lacazette leave the field as 19-year-old Reiss Nelson comes on in his place.
Lacazette seemed to be somewhat troubled as he departed the pitch, but it didn't look like he was suffering any serious injury...
Reiss Nelson has taken up position on the right wing and he looks lively already. First he flashes a low ball across the Napoli goal, then he's involved in a move that sees Joe Willock's right-footed shot inside the box saved well.
CHANCE FOR ARSENAL! The Gunners' closest effort so far. The ball is whipped in from the right and Mkhitaryan meets it expertly on the volley inside the box. Lopes dives to his right and palms away the shot, and the rebound is blasted over by Willock!
Arsenal are applying almost constant pressure at the moment. Lyon are struggling to make an impact on the game now, with their early energy seeming to desert them.
Emery will be happy with the start his side have made and he'll be particularly pleased with his youngsters. Willock and substitute Nelson are full of confidence and running. The Gunners' boss may feel that his team should have converted one of their chances, however.
What time does it start?
The Emirates Cup gets underway with Arsenal Women taking on Bayern Munich at 12:30pm, before the men’s side take on Lyon at 3:15pm.
Where can I watch it?
The match will be shown live on Premier Sport 1, with full coverage provided on The Independent.
