Dubai Super Cup delight for Arsenal ahead of Premier League return

The Gunners cruised to a 3-0 win over Lyon last Thursday and followed it up with a 2-1 victory over AC Milan on Tuesday, going on to beat both sides in post-match penalty shoot-outs in the competition during their warm-weather training camp.

Mikel Arteta fielded strong sides which included the likes of Gabriel, Kieran Tierney, Martin Odegaard, and returning World Cup players Thomas Partey and Ben White, alongside a host of youth players who impressed in cameos across both games.

Fabio Vieira, in particular, caught the eye during the games with a goal and two assists playing off the right wing. The Portuguese attacker was ruthless in the final third, teeing up his teammates and scoring a superb curling effort versus Lyon.

With Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines following knee surgery, having picked up an injury in Qatar, good end product from Vieira will be hugely important if Arsenal are to maintain their pre-World Cup level. 

That end product may also come in the form of a January signing, with links to Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhailo Mudryk intensifying this week.

After summer pursuits of Raphinha and Pedro Neto, it is clear that Arsenal are in the market for a wide forward over the next window or two.

Current first-choice wingers Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli saw their World Cup dreams shattered at the weekend with England losing 2-1 to holders France and Brazil falling on penalties to Croatia in the quarter-finals.

But the tournament should provide each with enormous confidence after great individual displays, with Saka proving electric in England’s defeat against the French, tormenting left-back Lucas Hernandez all evening and winning England’s first penalty. 

The Gunners end their winter preparations with a friendly against Juventus at the Emirates on Saturday, hoping to welcome back more of their World Cup returners. 

Arteta will be happy with how the Dubai trip has gone, and a win against Juventus will set the Premier League leaders up well for the return of domestic action with a London derby against West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on Boxing Day.