Arsenal’s first home game of the season ended in a defeat at the hands of French side Lyon in the Emirates Cup Final.
The Gunners took the lead in the first half, but the visitors came back strongly after the break and turned the deficit into a lead and handed a defeat to Unai Emery’s men.
In a first half of missed opportunities and domination of the opposition, Arsenal took the lead in the 35th minute when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang tucked in from close range after a delicious cross from Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Just after half-time, the home side had chances to double the lead but they were guilty of missing them.
Eventually, Lyon came back into the game and scored the equaliser in the 66th minute when Moussa Dembele was given the freedom in the box to head the ball home.
The former Celtic man scored again nine minutes later, piercing through the Arsenal defence to turn the game around.
After that, it was all about the French side holding onto the lead and winning the game. On the other hand, the Gunners were left to rue the opportunities and their defensive frailties.
Here’s how we rated their players:
Bernd Leno - 6
Couldn’t do much to save either of the goals. He did make a good fingertip save to deny Memphis Depay.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles - 6
Did well in the first half on both fronts but became defensively less secure after the break. He is still Arsenal’s best bet at right-back at the moment.
Calum Chambers - 6
Could have done more to track Dembele’s run for the first Lyon goal. However, he was good other than that.
Sokratis - 6
The Greece international looked good at the back. He is probably their best centre-back going into the season.
Nacho Monreal - 7
A very good performance from an experienced Monreal, who continues to prove that he can do a job if Arsenal fail to complete the signing of Kieran Tierney.
Matteo Guendouzi - 6
Was his first pre-season game and he looked good. The youngster continues to mature in an Arsenal shirt.
Granit Xhaka - 6
Played the full 90 minutes as captain and looked good in midfield. He seems to be in a good shout to become the regular club captain.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan - 7
The Armenian star had a great first half in which he almost scored with a stunning volley and produced a great cross for Aubameyang to score.
Joe Willock - 8
With Ozil rested, young Willock played as a number 10 and looked very mature. He is a dynamic player who is pushing the door for a start in the Arsenal’s opening Premier League game against Newcastle.
Alexandre Lacazette - N/A
He had to be subbed off for Reiss Nelson after just 13 minutes due to a suspected injury on his foot. Hopefully that’s not too serious.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - 7
Scored the only Arsenal goal and looked good while leading the line. He linked up well with Willock and Nelson as well.
(SUB) Eddie Nketiah - 7
Played the whole of second half up front and did well. Should have scored at least one goal, though.
(SUB) Reiss Nelson - 7
Came on after 13 minutes and showed what he can do on the ball. There was a buzz around the Emirates when Nelson was driving at the Lyon back line.
(SUB) Gabriel Martinelli - 6
The youngster did well after coming on and had a goal disallowed as well. He would be an interesting squad player for the coming season.
(SUB) Dani Ceballos - 6
Came on for the final 20 minutes and showed what he can do in the coming 12 months. He was neat in possession and also a willing worker off the ball.
(SUB) Shkodran Mustafi - 4
Came on for Chambers and could have done better to either track Dembele’s run for the second Lyon goal or join the offside trap line.
(SUB) Carl Jenkinson - 5
Came on in the 76th minute and didn’t have much time to really impact the game positively or negatively.
(SUB) Robbie Burton - N/A
Came on very late to have meaningful influence on the game.
(SUB) Tyreece John-Jules - 6
Came on for Nelson and had an attempt on goal. A bright cameo from the youngster.
(SUB) Zach Medley - 5
Came on and played at left-back for few minutes. His favoured position is more centrally, though.