Arsenal finished their preseason with a 6-0 victory over La Liga powerhouse Sevilla in the final of the Emirates Cup in North London.
With four goals in the first twenty minutes, Mikel Arteta's hosts helped the Gunners to their sixth preseason victory in a row in front of their home fans.
An early penalty by Bukayo Saka set the tone, and two goals by Gabriel Jesus and another by the England star made the score 4-0 before halftime.
The hosts continued their strong play after the break, with Jesus completing his hat trick with a third goal and a late goal from substitute Eddie Nketiah.
Jesus' hat trick has left Arsenal fans dreaming.
Jesus's decision to move from Manchester to London this summer has paid huge dividends as he has made a sensational debut with Arsenal.
A hat trick on his home debut shows why the Gunners pushed to bring him to the Emirates Stadium, and his seven goals in five preseason games show he is ready for the 2022/23 season.
With Saka, Martinelli, and Emile Smith Rowe, Arteta has assembled an exciting attacking unit; however, the addition of Jesus' ruthless experience is crucial for a Champions League push in the coming months.
As Arteta looks to replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the Brazilian will be confident that he can step in and contribute immediately.
A more seasoned Saka is still a crucial cog in Arteta's machine.
Saka won't turn 21 until September, but he's already established himself as an essential cog for Arteta thanks to his strong play over the past year.
His leadership qualities, goal-scoring prowess, and growing maturity suggest he will be a key contributor for Arsenal this year.
His confident penalty kick against Sevilla suggests he will be Arsenal's new man from the spot, just over a year after his penalty miss for England in the Euro 2020 final. He will fill the void left by the departures of Aubameyang and Lacazette.
Upon Captain Odegaard's arrival, a new era for the Gunners has begun.
Prior to the start of the Emirates Cup final, Arsenal announced that Martin Odegaard would replace Arteta as the club captain permanently.
After Aubmeyang's departure, Arteta's young squad had to fill the void left by the former captain, and the Norwegian was chosen for the job.
Despite Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey playing alongside him in the middle of the field, Odegaard has shown a genuine career revival at Arsenal, and his tenacity and calmness on the ball will be an integral part of his captaincy.
Arteta and Odegaard are looking to the future by taking a new approach to the captaincy while the team figures out its place in the Premier League.
Goals:
Bukayo Saka (10th minute, penalty) for ARS.
Gabriel Jesus (Granit Xhaka) for ARS in the 13th minute.
15th minute ARS, Gabriel Jesus (Gabriel Martinelli).
19th minute ARS goal by Bukayo Saka.
Eighty minute ARS goal by Gabriel Jesus (Gabriel Martinelli).
Eddie Nketiah scored for the ARS in the 88th minute off a pass from Gabriel Martinelli.
