Pre Season: Arsenal win on penalties

Arsenal 1 - 1 Bournemouth 

Arsenal won 5-4 on penalties

Arsenal began their three-match tour of the United States by beating Bournemouth 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. 

Fabio Vieira gave Arsenal a first-half lead when he hit Reiss Nelson's deep cross on the volley. The Gunners were pegged back when Antoine Semenyo equalised via a wicked deflection.

Far from being friendly, this was a competitive game where several players were booked. After that closely fought 90 minutes, the Arsenal keeper Karl Hein came up trumps in the penalty shootout by saving two spot-kicks, ending the night on the high.

Ultimately, pre-season is all about players gaining fitness ahead of the new campaign. From that perspective, it was a worthwhile exercise for both clubs. For Arsenal, their staff will be figuring out how they can improve once again and become Premier League champions for the first time since 2004.

You can watch the highlights in the video below

The footage is from the AFC Bournemouth YouTube account.

An opportunity for Arsenal's Academy players to shine 

The Arsenal manager Arteta included 12 academy players on this tour to the US. Many of them were handed a chance to shine in this match. You'd have to say that, despite only drawing after 90 minutes, they performed well.

DJ, an Arsenal fan, was happy with the performance. He said: "It was a great opportunity to see some of the fringe players. We are going to need a big squad next season if we are going to compete in the Premier League and Champions League again."

More positive signs for Bournemouth 

They are looking like a side that's ready to progress in the Premier League. Click here to read about their 2023/2024 campaign. 

Peter, a Bournemouth Season Ticket holder, told us: "Stayed up to watch this match. I was impressed by some aspects of the performance and thought we were unlucky to lose on penalties."