Arsenal kicked off pre-season in style with an 8-0 victory against non-league Boreham Wood, so let’s take a look at the top five performers from the match.
Our usual player ratings article would be a bit out of place on this occasion, given the match wasn’t particularly competitive, and none of the players played more than 45 minutes.
However, we can still have a look at the Arsenal stars who caught the eye ahead of the upcoming pre-season tour.
2The top two
2. Emile Smith Rowe
Smith Rowe almost stole the show in the first half, despite not getting a goal or assist. He was lively, kept his balance well under pressure and found the right pass every time. His runs were also intelligent, creating space for those around him, particularly in the build up to the Aubameyang’s opener.
The performance had people in the stands around me talking about him, and you could hear how impressed they were with someone they may not have heard about until this match.
On another day he might’ve been our man of the match, but unfortunately someone else grabbed the headlines on this occasion.
1. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
It’s hard to give the number one spot to anybody else. After only a little more than 16 minutes, Aubameyang already had a hat-trick, with a curling effort from outside the box, a header and a penalty. He then set one up for Lacazette, and was unlucky not to find his strike partner on another occasion as well.
It may have only been Boreham Wood, but Aubameyang’s first goal would’ve gone in against any goalkeeper you like. The same goes for his top corner penalty.
Special mention should also go to Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah for their well-taken goals, and Nelson’s run to win a first-half penalty. Neither were involved quite enough in the rest of the match to make the top five, but they continue to show that they’re able to grasp opportunities whenever they get them.