Arsenal thrashed Benfica in their opening Emirates Cup game in what was the most enjoyable game of pre-season so far.
A one-sided affair in the end, deflections helped the Portuguese give Arsenal a few problems but they overcame them in style to run out 5-2 winners.
So how did the players do?
Midfield
Sead Kolasinac 8
Created Theo Walcott’s goal with nothing but pure determination and tenacity, involved in the second and fifth and generally announced himself as an Arsenal player.
— Sarah Mitchell (@LimerickMitch) July 29, 2017
Francis Coquelin 6
An injury and an assist.
Granit Xhaka 7
You won’t see a better pass in the new season than his cross-field monster in the second half.
I love Granit Xhaka so much.
— Ryan De Freitas (@ryan_defreitas) July 29, 2017
Reiss Nelson 8
He’s lovin’ it, and we’re loving watching him. The star of pre-season? Most likely.
Vision, movement, focus and a great final ball. His assist for Arsenal’s fourth was great.
At the Emirates Cup Reiss Nelson, aged 17, really catching the eye. Be surprised if he doesn't get chances in the first team this season.
— Amy Lawrence (@amylawrence71) July 29, 2017
if Reiss Nelson was a Monaco player, he would probably be priced 40m
— Avalanche (@hunree) July 29, 2017