The Gunners opened their 2021 preseason with a 2-1 loss to Scottish club Hibernian and although it was just a preseason game, the way it unfolded will bring back memories of last season for manager Mikel Arteta and his players.
It was a match that had an Arsenal goalkeeper gaffe, a failed penalty, and a handful of missed chances, with Emile Smith Rowe offering the lone glimmer of hope. Just like last season.
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Arsenal goalkeeper gaffe
He’s only 19 years old and he was making his Arsenal debut — just four days after signing a long-term contract — so third-string goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo (above) has a career to make up for a shaky first game. He was between two minds on how to clear this back pass and he whiffed on it, leaving it on a platter for Hibernian to open the scoring.
It was a nervy 45 minutes for Okonkwo, who also spilled a cross which popped out of his hands. But his replacement at halftime, 19-year-old Karl Jakob Hein, didn’t fare that much better during his stint.
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Hein was caught on his heels as a ball that floated into his six-yard box was headed home by Hibernian for a 2-0 lead. Then again, there were three Hibernian players near the goal line (and no Arsenal defenders) — so Hein had no real shot.
The likes of Thomas Partey, Alexandre Lacazette and Nicolas Pepe came on at halftime, but Partey hit the post on a set piece and Pepe saw his 73rd-minute penalty-kick saved by the ‘keeper (below). It was Smith Rowe who got the lone Arsenal goal on a nice volley.
Among the highlights: Cedric Soares was active for Arsenal at right back, Pepe looked engaged, Lacazette was hustling all over the field, and Eddie Nketiah had a good first half, although with nothing to show for it. But it’s early: Arsenal’s next game will come on Saturday against Rangers.
The Gunners are hoping to move past a disappointing 8th-place finish in the English Premier League, tied for its worst finish since 1994-‘95, and a galling elimination at the hands of Villarreal in the Europa League semifinals. Their Premier League season opens on August 14 at Brentford.
