Viktor Gyökeres marked his first appearance at the Emirates with a goal as Arsenal cruised to a 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in their final pre-season game.
The £63m summer signing from Sporting CP opened the scoring in the first half, rising to meet Martin Zubimendi’s whipped cross and head past Unai Simón.
Bukayo Saka doubled the lead before half-time, capitalising on a mix-up between Simón and his defence, while Kai Havertz sealed the win late on after racing from halfway to slot home.
Gyökeres, replaced after 69 minutes, also struck the post with a diving header and impressed with his movement and physical presence.
Manager Mikel Arteta will hope his new striker carries that threat into next weekend’s Premier League opener away at Manchester United.
“It was important to make a statement today and I think we did that,” said 18-year-old midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly after the match. “We’re in a good position and ready for the start of the Premier League.”
The game’s closing stages were played at a walking pace, typical of a pre-season friendly, but Arsenal leave pre-season unbeaten and full of confidence ahead of the new campaign
