Nurnberg 1 Arsenal 1: Saka picks up where he left off but Gunners held in Germany after horror own goal
ARSENAL fans got a first look at Kai Havertz as the Premier League runners-up eased themselves back into the groove ahead of next month’s big kick-off.
The 24-year-old German international was introduced as a second-half sub in his new team’s opening pre-season friendly following his recent £65million move from Chelsea.
And it was immediately apparent that he has been signed as a direct replacement for Granit Xhaka on the left side on Mikel Arteta’s midfield.
It took Arsenal just seven minutes to establish their authority when Bukayo Saka ran on to Ben White’s ball over the top before cutting inside and firing a low shot into the far corner.
Coming less than a month after his international hat-trick in the 7-0 win against North Macedonia, it was a welcome sign that the England star has not lost his goal touch.
But it wasn’t all plain sailing for the 21-year-old, who was on the receiving end of a couple of challenges which were anything but friendly before being replaced at half-time.
And that wasn’t the only concern for Arteta after skipper Martin Odegaard tweaked a hamstring in the pre-match warm-up and had to be withdrawn from the starting line-up.
The Arsenal boss was also unimpressed when back-up keeper Karl Hein’s loose pass was turned into his own goal by Jorginho to gift Nurewmberg a 61st minute equaliser.
But at least William Saliba completed a decent 45 minute run-out in his first game since suffering a back injury four months ago.
BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
The Gunners now fly to Washington on Sunday for a three-match tour of the USA and hope to have Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber on board as they look to wrap up deals for both players over the next 48 hours.
ARSENAL TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: Stay up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumours from the Emirates