Having scored twice each, Saka and Jesus put Arsenal ahead 4-0 after 19 minutes; Before Nketiah taps in, Jesus completes his hat-trick; On Friday, August 5, at 8 p.m., watch Arsenal’s opening Premier League match of the year at Crystal Palace live on Sky Sports Premier League.
In his debut home game for Arsenal, Gabriel Jesus scored three goals, as the Gunners thrashed Sevilla 6-0 to win the Emirates Cup.
Within the opening 19 minutes of the game, the Gunners scored four goals in quick succession, with Bukayo Saka and Jesus scoring two goals each.
The £45 million signing didn’t get to finish his hat trick until 12 minutes remained, flicking in a loose ball as Sevilla attempted to defend a corner. After a swift counterattack, Gabriel Martinelli set up Eddie Nketiah for a tap-in to score the late sixth.
Prior to their Premier League debut against Crystal Palace next week, live on Sky Sports’ Friday Night Football, the result ensures Mikel Arteta’s team has preserved their 100% record in friendlies played in front of crowds this preseason.
In their final friendly, Arsenal paid respect to former Gunners and Sevilla attacker Jose Antonio Reyes, who passed away three years ago. It was during their ninth-minute ovation for the Spaniard that they scored the game’s opening goal.
Jesus’ second goal was assisted by Xhaka, who quickly played a free kick to Gabriel Martinelli along the left side. With the Brazilian fully unmarked, the winger found his first-name namesake in the area to tap in another finish on the stretch.
Sevilla’s defense was much worse when Arsenal scored their fourth. Under pressure from Arsenal’s front three, goalkeeper Bono panicked and passed the ball right to Saka, who finished with his weaker right foot.
With clear-cut opportunities missed by Martinelli, Xhaka, and Thomas Partey, the Gunners could have increased their lead before the half. Defenders William Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko, who were making their home debuts for Arsenal, fared much better at the other end of the field.
Odegaard came close to scoring a several times after the break, while Xhaka hit the net’s roof. The victory was sealed by Jesus, who scored from close range on a first-time attempt while the Spanish team struggled to clear their lines after a set piece.
Sevilla was attempting to score a consolation goal when Arsenal scored their sixth. Martinelli was set free by Xhaka to launch a counterattack, and the Brazilian selflessly set up Nketiah for the most straightforward of finishes.
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