Nagoya Grampus Eight 1-3 Arsenal: Review

By Peter Wells (twitter- @boxingbrains):

In their toughest friendly to date, Arsenal came out the Toyota Stadium a comfortable 3-1 winners. After previous victories of 7-0 & 7-1 it must have come as a relief to Arsene Wenger that his side were clearly offered a far sterner test to prove their credentials.

Outside of Ryo Miyaichi - who received a great ovation every time he touched the ball from the Japanese crowd - and Fabianski, the side Wenger issued out onto the field will be very similar to what Arsenal's fans will be viewing once the season begins.

After just 3 minutes of action Arsenal found themselves ahead, when Tomas Rosicky's wonderful cross was headed home by Olivier Giroud - the Frenchmans 6th goal of the pre-season. Rosicky has delighted the crowds with sensational assists throughout the Asian Tour, and for the most part Olivier Giroud has been the recipient of those adventurous crosses.

While Nagoya Grampus grew into the game, Arsenal almost extended their lead when Miyaichi's effort arrowed just a whisker wide of the far post. Then the Japanese winger was rewarded with the perfect chance to score when Giroud's pull back was handled inside the area, and Miyaichi was handed the ball. The hometown hero stepped up and lashed the ball into the bottom corner. The goal was greeted with the loudest cheer of the night.

Into the 2nd half and several Arsenal changes ensured a lively start, as the new faces looked to impress. Gnabry came close on a few occasions in the 2nd half, as the 18 year old once again looked the star that most expect him to be.

Nagoya Grampus came close to scoring on a few occasions, but couldn't force Fabianski into action.

Walcott went close before 16 year old Gedion Zelalem played Walcott through with a delightful ball which Theo chipped over the keeper for 3-0.

Gibbs and Wilshire could have both added their names to the score sheet before a great cross from the right side was nodded home by Yano to give Nagoya Grampus a consolation goal.

All in all Arsenal will be satisfied if not thrilled with their performance and the result. Nagoya Grampus can have their two goalkeepers to thank for keeping the scoreline down with some wonderful saves, while the defence also stood firm for the full 90 minutes.

Man of the Match: While there was no standout player in the game today, there were plenty of good performances. All of the midfielders looked solid and composed throughout, but it has to go to Zelalem who came off the bench to produce several wonderful through balls to his teammates while also making several good runs to open up the oppositions defence.

Next up for the Gunners is Urawa Red Diamonds on Friday. Kick off the same time, 11:30 UK time.

Nagoya Grampus Eight 1
Yano' 73

Arsenal 3
Giroud' 3
Miyaichi' 27(Pen)
Walcott' 56