Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal made short work of Luton Town in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Thursday afternoon, it has been revealed.
This, of course, comes amid the Gunners ongoing preparatory efforts for the season ahead.
After kicking their Premier League campaign into gear in positive fashion courtesy of a 2-1 downing of Nottingham Forest last weekend, Arsenal will be forced to wait until Monday for their next competitive outing, when the north Londoners make the trip to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace.
Boss Arteta, in turn, evidently felt that a friendly fixture was needed, to keep his squad match sharp so early in the term.
A behind-closed-doors meeting with the aforementioned Luton, as a result, was organised on Friday.
And Arsenal went on to enjoy an altogether productive afternoon’s work.
And Bukayo Saka was also on target for the 2nd game in succession, en route to an eventual 3-0 result.
Further good news was forthcoming for Mikel Arteta, too, in the form of Oleksandr Zinchenko’s return from injury.
The Ukrainian, who has spent the start of the campaign sidelined with a calf problem, is expected to be available from the off on Monday, primed to replace long-term absentee Jurrien Timber at left-back.
Finally, summer addition David Raya managed an hour of action,
Arsenal beat Luton Town in a behind-closed-doors friendly today, with two goals from Trossard and one from Saka. Zinchenko, Nelson and Raya all played.
— Sam Dean (@SamJDean) August 17, 2023
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