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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Kieran King

Four things Mikel Arteta learned from Arsenal pre-season tour as new dilemma emerges

Arsenal wrapped up their pre-season tour in the United States with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Chelsea as Mikel Arteta's side impressively brushed aside their Premier League counterparts.

Goals from Gabriel Jesus, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Albert Sambi Lokonga secured the win over Thomas Tuchel's men after the Gunners beat Orlando City and Everton earlier in the week. Arsenal scored nine goals over the course of those three games and showed many promising signs of what is to come this season.

Four of the Gunners' five new signings have featured on the tour, including Oleksandr Zinchenko, who joined from Manchester City last week. Meanwhile, Fabio Vieira is the only new face not to have played a minute so far as he continues to recover from a foot injury.

With Arsenal now heading back to England for one more friendly before the season gets underway on August 5 against Crystal Palace, there is no doubt Arteta has plenty to reflect on from their time in the US.

So, with that in mind, here are four things he has learned from those games.

Jesus finding form

The Gunners new £45m forward has settled into life at the club pretty well, having scored four times in his opening four games. Jesus netted twice on his debut against 2. Bundesliga side Nurnberg and has since gone on to impress in their three pre-season matches in the US - failing to score in just one game.

That was in the 3-1 win over Orlando City, where he came on as a half-time substitute. Jesus still managed to grab an assist, however, setting up Eddie Nketiah for his goal.

Gabriel Jesus celebrates after scoring against Everton (Getty Images)

Arsenal look a completely different team with the 25-year-old leading the line compared to last campaign, with Jesus demonstrating his composure in front of goal.

His strike against Everton summed him up, as he managed to pluck the ball out of the sky before firing the ball beyond Jordan Pickford. Then Jesus was clam under pressure as he dinked the ball over Edouard Mendy in the win over Chelsea.

Competition at left-back

Zinchenko's arrival is going to give Arteta another welcome selection headache heading into the opening day trip to Selhurst Park.

The Ukrainian played 45 minutes in the Chelsea success and impressed throughout his time on the pitch, bursting forward and supporting the attacks while providing adequate defensive support. Cameras also showed the left-back perform a sublime piece of skill on Mason Mount, leaving the latter with no answer.

Oleksandr Zinchenko impressed on his Arsenal debut against Chelsea (Getty Images)

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However, with Kieran Tierney set to return from injury for the start of the season, Arteta has a tough decision on his hands on who is his first-choice left-back.

Nuno Tavares is still part of the first-team picture but it is being reported that he will be sent out on loan with a number of Serie A sides amongst those interested.

Saliba dilemma

Another potential dilemma for Arteta is at centre-back after William Saliba's impressive performances for Marseille last term and in pre-season so far.

The Frenchman has failed to make a Premier League appearance during his three-year stint at the club but that could all change this season despite the form of Ben White and Gabriel.

Saliba started in the win over Chelsea and also featured against Orlando and Everton, with Arteta willing to give him a chance to shine as he looks to force his way into the side.

The Arsenal boss is expected to stay with his trusted 4-2-3-1 formation, and although White can play at right-back, it is set to be a three-way tussle for the two central defender spots for the opening game at Palace.

William Saliba in action against Chelsea (Getty Images)

Midfield options

After lacking depth at the back end of last season, the Gunners have seemingly lots of options all over the pitch, but especially in midfield.

Although Vieira has not featured yet, he will add strength to that position with Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey and Lokonga all impressing in pre-season.

That is not to mention Mohamed Elneny, who signed a new one-year deal in May, and will no doubt prove his worth across the campaign.

Youri Tielemans continues to be linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium but Arteta may not need to bring in anymore midfielders due to the amount of players in that role.

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