Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta gave high praise to his players following their 2-0 win over Olympique Lyonnais in the Emirates Cup.
Arsenal looked to be in the ascendancy from minute one, as they piled pressure on Lyon from the off.
They got their reward in the 9th minute as William Saliba headed home from a Declan Rice corner to give Arsenal an early lead.
The Gunners continued to dominate the game and it was not long before they doubled their lead, courtesy of another Rice corner - this time headed in by Gabriel Magalhaes.
Despite their control of the game until the final whistle, Arteta's side were unable to add to their score as they ran out 2-0 victors, lifting their eighth Emirates Cup title.
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The game and pre-season
Speaking after the game, Arteta shared his thoughts on the game, as well as how pre-season has panned out for his side:
"A really good test today again. I think overall it has been a really positive pre-season. With the tour, the club and a lot of other people put in a lot of effort to make it work, and I think it was a success again.
"And then the two games that we have played here as well are really competitive and really good, I think the team was exceptional, especially in the first half. There are moments that we play at the highest level, and then we sort of maintained it.
"We dropped a little bit in the second half, the conditions were tough. But it was a good one for us as well. So, overall, [I am] very pleased."
The Spaniard was also asked whether he felt that his team is now ready for their opening game of the Premier League season - against Wolves next Saturday:
"Well it looked it to me. The the way we started, for sure is [the energy he expects] after maintaining that for 95 minutes, and that's the target and the objective that we need to have, but, these are our positives to take from today's performance."
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Team news
Arteta also gave updates on the fitness of two of his players, which is not all good news for the club.
Jurrien Timber
The Arsenal boss confirmed that Dutch defender Jurrien Timber is close to a return to action, and is expected in training next week, easing the concerns of fans:
"It's fine. He's been doing some individual work, that's clear [not caused any further issues] now - so we expect him to be ready to train with the group in the next week because he has no reaction [to the work he has done]. So [it is] quite positive."
Takehiro Tomiyasu
Arteta also revealed, unfortunately, that Japanese defender Takehiro Tomiyasu remains a way away from any potential return:
"I think it will take weeks on that one unfortunately. But he's going to have to be patient and work through it because I think it's gonna take a few weeks."
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Riccardo Calafiori's reception
New signing Riccardo Calafiori received possibly the biggest cheer of the game when he was brought on in the 64th minute, and Arteta gave his assessment of fans' reaction to the Italian:
"I just love it. When the fans support us, react like that to one of our own, it's great. You know? The way you feel straight away is love. You're respected.
"They [the fans] are right behind you, and that's an unbelievable platform for many players to join our club."
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Set pieces
Arsenal developed a reputation last season for their success from set pieces, and scored from two more today. When asked about whether it is important to change their approach to these situations, Arteta said:
"We are constantly evolving in everything that we've done. Today we scored from two pieces, which is great because it gives us confidence, it gives us a platform, a different threat and worry for the opponent.
"But we could have scored a lot of goals in many different situations in the game, which was really pleasing to see as well. So [we will] continue to work, continue to evolve, and be unpredictable."
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Eddie Nketiah
Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah has persistently been linked with moves away from the club this summer, with Marseille currently pursuing the Englishman.
When asked about his situation, Arteta remained tight-lipped as usual, but perhaps hinted that the academy product may not be as likely to leave as some thought:
"All of the players that are here, the biggest chance is that they stay with us. That's why they're here."
