The Emirates was buzzing as Arsenal wrapped up their pre-season campaign with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao.
For fans, this wasn’t just about the scoreline—it was a night to get a first real glimpse of what some of the club’s newest and most talked-about signings can bring to the table.
From Viktor Gyokeres’ long-awaited first goal in red and white, to Martin Zubimendi pulling the strings in midfield, and Kai Havertz marking his comeback with a bang, the evening was packed with encouraging signs ahead of the Premier League kick-off.
Gyokeres Breaks His Duck in Front of the Home Crowd
After weeks of anticipation, Viktor Gyokeres finally got off the mark for Arsenal.
The £64 million summer arrival from Sporting Lisbon made his presence felt early, powering home a first-half header from Martin Zubimendi’s inch-perfect cross.
It wasn’t just the goal that caught the eye—the Swedish striker was far more involved than in the recent 3-2 loss to Villarreal.
Instead of being starved of service, he constantly found ways to get into the thick of the action, from darting runs to the byline to physical battles with Bilbao’s defenders.
Even when he scuffed an early shot from a Bukayo Saka delivery, Gyokeres didn’t hide.
He came back with more aggression, nearly doubling his tally with another header that rattled the post before being replaced by Havertz.
For Mikel Arteta, this was exactly the kind of all-action striker Arsenal have been missing.
Zubimendi Shows Why Arsenal Fought So Hard to Sign Him
It’s not hard to see why Arsenal went toe-to-toe with Liverpool, Manchester City, and Real Madrid to land Martin Zubimendi.
The Spaniard’s debut at the Emirates was pure midfield mastery—covering every blade of grass, snapping into tackles, and calmly dictating play as if he had all the time in the world.
His assist for Gyokeres’ opener was a thing of beauty—spotted the gap, whipped the ball in, and left the defence scrambling.
The way he won the ball back high up the pitch and immediately transitioned into attack made it clear Arsenal have a Rodri-like presence of their own now.
Former Transfer Target Williams Fails to Shine
There was an air of “what could have been” as Nico Williams took to the pitch—not in Arsenal colours, but for the opposition.
The winger was high on Arsenal’s wishlist earlier in the summer before committing to Athletic Bilbao with a massive eight-year deal that keeps him there until 2035.
On the day, he barely had a chance to show why the Gunners were so interested.
Starved of service, Williams cut a frustrated figure and was subbed off after just over an hour. Any dream of him lining up for Arsenal looks well and truly over for now.
Saliba and Gabriel Back Together at the Back
Arsenal fans had another reason to smile—Gabriel returned to the starting line-up alongside William Saliba for the first time since April’s hamstring surgery.
The Brazilian looked solid, sharp, and unbothered by any lingering fitness concerns.
The pair’s partnership picked up right where it left off, shutting down Bilbao’s attack before it could even develop.
With their telepathic understanding and dominance in the air, Arsenal’s defence looked ready for the Premier League opener against Manchester United.
Havertz Returns Stronger and Gets His Goal
Kai Havertz might have missed a chunk of last season with a hamstring tear, but you wouldn’t know it from this performance.
Looking noticeably bulkier, the German came off the bench in the 71st minute and made an immediate impact.
Just over 10 minutes later, he muscled his way past two defenders, latched on to a Saka pass, and coolly slotted the ball home.
With Gyokeres already making his mark, Havertz’s return sets up a healthy competition for the central striker role—one Arteta will be more than happy to manage.