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henrytg
Last Updated at 10:15 GMT
12/13 July: Emirates Cup (Arsenal, Le Havre, Sion, Heracles)
15 July: Lokomotiv Moscow (away)
18 July: Le Mans (away)
25 July: Feyenoord (away)
28 July: Olympiacos (away)
henrytg
Last Updated at 10:15 GMT
"Despite it being a friendly competition, the Emirates Cup remains hugely important for us. It allows us to test our younger players against top quality opposition, and it also creates a great atmosphere with our fans and gives them another chance to come and see Arsenal play before the season begins."
"This is definitely not a competition that should be taken lightly. We want to win it, something we didn't manage last year, and build up confidence heading into the season. It is very important for us."
Wenger also about the opponents Arsenal will be facing in the competition, first Le Havre but potentially FC Sion and Heracles.
"These are three teams that represent a good mix of styles from across Europe. The first match against Le Havre should be a good opening test, before hopefully a final against either Sion or Heracles. None of the teams should be underestimated."
Arsenal players out with injuries for the Emirates Cup and the rest of the preseason include new signing David Ospina, Theo Walcott and Abou Diaby.
Johno
SBR
henrytg
Thanks SBR!
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Last Updated at 10:15 GMT
The Gunners did have domination in the opening minutes however, and they thought they'd scored when Joel Campbell was played through and found the net, only for it to be ruled offside. A mere ten minutes later, the Costa Rican was again denied by the offside flag when he volleyed in a cross past the Le Havre keeper, to his total disbelief.
Despite Arsenal's control of the match, both sides went in scoreless at the break, with Le Havre clearly looking the more satisfied of both teams. That didn't last long however, as ten minutes into the second half, Arsenal found the breakthrough when French striker Yaya Sanogo tapped in a vicious whipped cross from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Arsenal were in thee driving seat until they were stunned ten minutes later by the French club. Midfielder Kevin Metelus picked up the ball on the edge of the box after botched clearance from a tackle by Kieran Gibbs, and catching Damian Martinez unawares curled it into the Arsenal goal for an equalizer against the run of play.
However it turned out this was the motivation Arsenal needed to push forward, and Le Havre were subjected to a barrage of attacks from the Gunners. After a number of missed chances, it was Czech star Tomas Rosicky who made the visitors pay, firing the ball in on the half volley from a narrow angle after Akpom chested it down. It was great build up play from the Gunners, and the relief on fans faces was clear to see when the late goal was scored.
Akpom almost made it three in the dying seconds, but his placed effort from inside the box came off the outside of the post.
Arsenal progress to face FC Sion in the final of the Emirates Cup, who overcame Dutch side Heracles earlier in the day.
Goals:
Arsenal: Sanogo 57, Rosicky 86.
Le Havre: Metelus 69.
Lineups:
Arsenal: Martinez, Bellerin (Debuchy 84), Hayden (Chambers 45), Mertesacker (Koscielny 66), Gibbs (Monreal 84), Coquelin (Flamini 66), Ramsey (Arteta 84), Oxlade-Chamberlain (Rosicky 61), Cazorla (Ozil 45), Campbell (Sanchez 45), Sanogo (Akpom 61).
Subs not used: Szczesny, Welbeck.
Le Havre: Diallo (Gurtner 56), Ikoko (Chebake 76), Toure (Fortes 86), Le Marchand (Landini 69), Pinteaux (Mombris 76), M'Bami (Louiserre 45), Saiss (Metelus 45), Rakotoharisoa (Le Bihan 45), Mousset (Manzala 56), Bonnet (Sissako 63), Mendes (Geretto 45).
Subs not used: Cuvier.
Johno
henrytg
Last Updated at 10:15 GMT
Arsenal arguably had the better chances, and more of them than their Swiss opponents, but it was a lack of realism that punished them above all. Danny Welbeck was only inches away from connecting with a through ball from Podolski ten minutes in, while his shot minutes later only narrowly skimmed ast the post.
Soon after, Podolski had a close range effort saved by the legs of Casanova, while Alexis Sanchez rattled the crossbar with a powerful effort from just inside the box on the 25 minute mark.
While Arsenal had the lion's share of possesion and the chances, it didn't stop Sion from occasionally coming close, and Wojciech Szczesny had to be on his toes to save from a corner.
The second half was tame in comparison to the first, and chances were few and far between. Besides Mikel Arteta's shot which whistled over the bar with minutes to go, both goalkeepers barely touched the ball.
So it came down to penalties, it was Joel Campbell who missed for Arsenal, sending his penalty crashing against the bar. Sion were ruthless, and Vanczak kept his calm to send what was to be the winning penalty into the net and offer Sion their first Emirates Cup.
Goals:
Arsenal: None.
FC Sion: None.
Lineups:
Arsenal: Szczesny, Debuchy, Koscielny (Coquelin 79), Chambers (Bellerin 68), Monreal (Hayden 45), Flamini (Cazorla 79), Wilshere (Arteta 68), Sanchez (Rosicky 45), Zelalem (Ozil 68), Welbeck (Campbell 90), Podolski (Giroud 79).
Subs not used: Martinez, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Akpom.
FC Sion: Casanova (Vanins 62), Ruefli, Vanczak, Ferati (Lacroix 62), Buhler, Follonier (Carlitos 45), Kouassi (Ramirez 73), Ndoye (Vidosic 53), Wuthrich (Christofi 84), Perrier (Yartey 27), Itapurena (Assifuah 90).
Subs not used: Ciss, Cisse, Debons, Jagne.
Dan
henrytg
------------------------------------
Last Updated at 10:15 GMT
The Gunners dominated from the off, and soon had their first goal when the Frenchman volleyed Aaron Ramsey's cross home after some solid build up play.
Lokomotiv then had the chance to equalise when NDoye received the ball in the box, but his shot was blocked heroically by young defender Isaac Hayden. And it was that man again minutes later who popped up to head home Cazorla's corner at the near post to give The Gunners a comfortable 2-0 lead.
The lead was added to when Olivier Giroud curled in a tidy finish on the edge of the box coming off Ramsey's feed, leaving the Lokomotiv keeper with no chance.
Ramsey again provided the assist for the fourth goal with a delightful though ball which found Oxlade-Chamberlain, who powered it in at the near post. Oumar Niasse grabbed a consolation for Lokomotiv two minutes later, firing home nicely from inside the box, and the Russian side almost grabbed another soon after, but Hayden was there again to intervene.
However any hope Lokomotiv had soon evaporated, when Giroud completed his hat trick, tucking the ball past the keeper coming off Ramsey's lofted bll over the top. Rosicky hit the post with a last minute free kick, although the job was already done and Arsenal will continue their preseason with a good win in the books.
Goals:
Arsenal: Giroud 17, 42, 61. Hayden 35. Oxlade-Chamberlain 48.
Lokomotiv Moscow: Oumar Niasse 50.
Lineups:
Arsenal: Martinez, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Hayden (Debuchy 68), Gibbs (Monreal 80), Coquelin (Flamini 45), Oxlade-Chambelain (Rosicky 61), Ramsey (Wilshere 61), Arteta (Campbell 45), Cazorla (Ozil 61), Giroud (Akpom 68).
Subs not used: Szczesny, Welbeck, Sanchez, Sanogo.
Lokomotiv Moscow: Biryukov (Lozhkin 61), Kabaev (Mykhalyk 55), Corluka, Pejcinovic, Yanbaev, Kuranov (Karev 50), Diarra, Fernandes, Utkin (Niasse 49), Boussoufa (Strok 45), Ndoye (Gerasimov 45).
Subs not used: None.
henrytg
Last Updated at 10:15 GMT
The first half was an uneventful one, with few chances for either team, and it took Arsenal some time to find their way into the game. They did just before half time however, and made Le Mans pay. A low 30 yard drive from startlet Gedion Zelalem slipped through the Le Mans keeper's fingers and into the net, giving Arsenal some relief heading into half time.
The Gunners didn't let up after the break, and after constant pressure, Le Mans finally tired and the floodgates opened. Some intricate passing found Danny Welbeck in the box, who squared the ball to an unmarked Joel Campbell to slot in at the far post to double Arsenal's lead. Ten minutes later the Costa Rican had an amost identical chance to make it three but put it wide, much to his disappointment.
Ten minutes from time, it was Rosicky who made amends, smashing the ball home after a nice layoff on the edge of the box by Akpom, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. The passer then turned scorer to round off the win, with Akpom tucking in a fourth from point blank range after a perfect through ball from Aaron Ramsey.
The Gunners will face Feyenoord and Olympiakos in their last two friendlies, before the clash with Manchester City in the Community Shield.
Goals:
Arsenal: Zelalem 41. Campbell 70. Rosicky 82. Akpom 90+1.
Le Mans: None.
Lineups:
Arsenal: Szczesny, Debuchy (Bellerin 68), Chambers, Koscielny, Monreal (Gibbs 68), Coquelin (Flamini 45), Wilshere (Ramsey 45), Sanchez (Campbell 61), Zelalem (Ozil 61), Welbeck (Rosicky 80), Podolski (Akpom 61).
Subs not used: Martinez, Cazorla, Sanogo, Arteta.
Le Mans: Viot (Krumhorn 61), Tacheau (Boudzoumou 52), Doumbia (Konate 61), Cerdan (Grego 61), Dikobo (Tshimpi 83), Sissoko (Sow 45), Baal (Karj 45), Lapelosa (N'Gom 45), Derouard (Buisson 61), Sanali (Delage 70), Camerling (Vanitou 45).
Subs not used: Beatrix.
henrytg
Last Updated at 10:15 GMT
Despite a golden opportunity for Feyenoord's Wessel Dammers only a minute in when he was played through by Schuurman, it was Lukas Podolski who tapped in a whipped Cazorla free kick to give Arsenal the lead on 15 minutes.
Yaya Sanogo then should have scored after he was played through by Cazorla, only for his shot to be saved by the legs of Kenneth Vermeer.
Arsenal's second came on the half hour mark, when after some intricate passing in the box, the ball found its way across to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who converted at the far post, despite being denied at first by Vermeer. Chamberlain soon had another great chance to add to his goal tally, but his near post shot found the side netting.
Vermeer used his legs to deny Sanogo for a second time five minutes before the break, with the Dutch keeper putting on a memorable performance despite the scoreline.
Arsenal did finish the half on a high, as Cazorla curled in a sublime free kick from 25 yards on the stroke of half time, officially killng off the match.
Joel Campbell didn't seem to care though, as 20 minutes into the second half, he pounced on his own rebound from his shot that came off the bar to make it 4-0 to the Arsenal.
A tidy finish from Lex Immers ten minutes later meant that Feyenoord had something to cheer about, but it was scant consolation in the context of the game. There was renewed hope when Manu scored another, although it was ruled offside, shattering any new found hope Feyenoord may have had.
Goals:
Arsenal: Podolski 14. Oxlade-Chamberlain 33. Cazorla 45+1. Campbell 60.
Feyenoord: Immers 68.
Lineups:
Arsenal: Martinez, Bellerin (Debuchy 81), Hayden (Chambers 81), Mertesacker (Koscielny 70), Monreal, Flamini (Coquelin 70), Arteta (Ramsey 60), Oxlade-Chamberlain (Campbell 45), Cazorla (Zelalem 45), Podolski (Ozil 70), Sanogo (Giroud 60).
Subs not used: Szczesny, Wilshere, Sanchez.
Feyenoord: Vermeer (Van der Linden 60), van Beek (Mathijsen 57), Gronsveld (Boulahrouz 57), Verdonk (Steenvorden 45), Kongolo (Woudenberg 61), Schuurman (Boetius 52), El Ahmadi (Clasie 45), Toornstra (Trindade de Vilhena 57), Immers, Dammers (Achahbar 45), Van der Struis (Manu 52).
Subs not used: Basacikoglu, Verhoek.
henrytg
Last Updated at 10:15 GMT
He has impressed in preseason with two goals, and will be hoping to make a push for more first team football this upcoming season.
henrytg
Last Updated at 10:15 GMT
They started with a bang, and were leading within ten minutes, when a dinked ball from Olivier Giroud found Tomas Rosicky, who curled the ball top corner from a narrow angle. Arsenal's did not last long however, as Kostas Fortounis turned in a well struck corner to put the Greeks back on level terms.
Olivier Giroud the had the chance to put Arsenal back in front, but a great last ditch tackle from Siovas put the ball out for a corner. The Frenchman was denied again minutes later, this time by keeper Roberto as he got off a powerful shot after finding himself some room in the box.
Olympiakos also had their chances though, with Dominguez firing into the side netting ten minutes after the restart. Roberto then denied Giroud for a second time with a stunning reflex save after the Frenchman connected with a Kieran Gibbs cross.
Giroud's luck in front of goal didn't get any better, and he hit the woodwork when he really should have scored off what was an easy tap in. While Kostas Fortounis almost grabbed a winner for Olympiakos late on, Arsenal can be fairly satisfied with a draw against a team who are regularly among the last 16 in the Champions League.
The team will now be solely focused on the upcoming Community Shield against Manchester City, where the chance to add another trophy to the cabinet beckons.
Goals:
Arsenal: Rosicky 7.
Olympiakos: Fortounis 24.
Lineups:
Arsenal: Martinez, Debuchy (Bellerin 89), Chambers (Mertesacker 74), Koscielny (Hayden 66), Gibbs, Flamini (Coquelin 45), Wilshere (Ramsey 45), Rosicky (Cazorla 74), Ozil (Zelalem 66), Sanchez (Oxlade-Chamberlain 45), Giroud (Campbell 74).
Subs not used: Szczesny, Arteta, Podolski.
Feyenoord: Roberto, Elabdellaoui (Orfanidis 84), Botia (Abidal 45), Siovas, Masuaku (Bong 74), Kasami, Ndinga (Pele 51), Fortounis (Giannoulis 84), Fuster, Durmaz (Kyriakidis 84), Ghazaryan (Dominguez 45).
Subs not used: Papavasileiou, Alexiou, Klitsinaris, Albanis.
henrytg
Last Updated at 10:15 GMT
I think we can be very optimistic. We beat some good teams in the preseason, and I really think we can seriously challenge for the title this year. We've obviously signed some top quality players like Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck, so there's no reason why we shouldn't be right up there.
Last season, you lifted the FA Cup as Arsenal captain. That must have been a special moment, do you think another trophy is a possibility this year?
Of course. It was great to finally win something for our fans who have been waiting for so long, and I hope that we can win something else this year to keep that momentum going. We really owe it to our fans.
And your first chance for that obviously comes this weekend against Manchester City in the Community Shield...
Yes. We will be doing everything to win. People tend to write it off as something that doesn't really matter, a friendly game instead of a real piece of silverware, but in our eyes that isn't the case. It's chance to start of the season in style, and we will be very disappointed if we don't take home the trophy on Sunday.
From a personal point of view, what do you want to achieve this season?
Improve. Always improve. You can never stop improving, you can always get better as a player. I'm obviously the captain and one of the more experienced players on the team now as well, so I really want to try and pass on some of my knowledge to our younger players, and help Arsene get the best out of them.
Finally, you mentioned Alexis Sanchez earlier. Just how much of an impact do you think he will have on the club?
I think he will be huge. The chance to sign a truly world class player doesn't come everyday, and he's showed that he's definitely one of the best in the world. I think we've done very well to get him, and I can't wait for Sunday to finally be able to take to the pitch with him and see what he can do.
henrytg
Last Updated at 10:15 GMT
Matchday 1
Besiktas v Arsenal
Tuesday, August 20
Kick-off: 21.45 local time (19.45 UK time)
To be played at Ataturk Olimpic Stadium, Turkey
Matchday 2
Arsenal v Besiktas
Wednesday, August 26
Kick-off: 19:45 UK time
To be played at Emirates Stadium
henrytg
Last Updated at 10:15 GMT
"We've built up good momentum over the last few weeks," Wenger said, "we really want to keep it going. We strongly believe we can win, and we will be taking this game as seriously as any other cup final."
"Ultimately, this is another chance to win a trophy and we can't let it slip. We want to start the season the right way and the only way to do that is to win."
The Frenchman was also asked about injuries and confirmed the list of long term absentees and the fact that Yaya Sanogo would also not be able to make the squad.
"We've obviously got Walcott and Ospina still out, and Yaya Sanogo is still recovering from the groin injury he picked up against Feyenoord, so no new injury news."
Finally, Wenger commented on Manchester City's strengths.
"Obviously, they won the league last year, and they kept mostly the same squad, so they have the same techincal ability and power they had last year. It's clearly a tough game, and they'll be wanting to win as well."
henrytg
Last Updated at 10:15 GMT
Sergio Aguero had the first chance, but his shot went wide by some distance. Jovetic had a similar shot from outside the box five minutes later, but again it did not worry Szczesny.
City's first good chance came through Yaya Toure, who was denied a tap in by Szczesny at the back post, who pulled off a good save with his legs.
However it was Arsenal who got the goal ten minutes later, when City's new signing Eliaquim Mangala brought down Podolski inside the box. It was captain Mikel Arteta who stepped up, and smashed to the right of Hart leaving the England keeper with no chance and giving Arsenal a 1-0 lead.
From then on, Arsenal sat back and defended well, resricting City's chances and making it difficult for them to construct play. The second half played out as a stalemate, even though Aguero had a good chance to equalise late on, however his powerful near post shot found the side netting. Podolski had an equally good chance soon after to double Arsenal's lead after City were caught out on the counter, but his shot was well blocked.
Arsenal will be delighted with the win, the best possible way to build up to the Premier League opener against arch rivals Tottenham in a week's time.
Goals:
Arsenal: Arteta pen 28.
Man City: None.
Lineups:
Arsenal: Szczesny, Debuchy, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Flamini, Sanchez (Oxlade-Chamberlain 81), Arteta (Ramsey 66), Wilshere (Ozil 45), Cazorla, Podolski.
Subs not used: Martinez, Chambers, Rosicky, Giroud.
Man City: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Mangala (Nastasic 61), Clichy, Fernandinho, Milner, Toure, Jovetic (Dzeko 45), Silva (Navas 66), Aguero.
Subs not used: Caballero, Sagna, Fernando, Kolarov.
henrytg
Last Updated at 10:15 GMT
Wilshere will be keen to try and move on from the injury problems he's had over the last few seasons, however this latest injury will surely be another disappointment to the Arsenal fan favourite.
He is expected to miss the derby against Tottenham and the Champions League game against Besiktas among other games.
henrytg
Last Updated at 10:15 GMT
"We think Yaya has a really bright future at Arsenal, and we think when he develops he'll be a top player. It will be great for him to have the chance at Nottingham Forest, which will allow him to really get used to the English style of play. It was important for us because of that that he went on loan to an English club", Arsene Wenger said.
You can keep up to date with Yaya's progress on Arsenal.com.
henrytg
Last Updated at 10:15 GMT
"It's going to be very important to start well, and we really want to build on our win over Manchester City where I thought we defended very well and contained them completely in the second half."
"I think if we play that, then we will win, but we must keep concentrated over the whole 90 minutes and not get complacent. Of course Tottenham have quality and can punish us easily if we make mistakes."
Wenger was then asked if he would have preferred to play Arsenal's rivals later in the season.
"Yes, perhaps, although you still have to play them so to an extent it doesn't make a huge difference. Our confidence is high at the moment as well, so I don't think it has a huge impact."
The Frenchman also confirmed that all new signings except the injured David Ospina would likely be involved, with fans eager to see the official debuts of 35 million man Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck.
Angelo Ionescu
henrytg
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Last Updated at 10:15 GMT
The Gunners started strong, and had their first chance inside a minute, but Giroud's shot was well blocked. Lloris was called into action a minute later and made a fine stop, getting down to save from Santi Cazorla, who had a fierce shot from inside the box.
The breakthrough didn't take long though, and only four minutes in, a lurking Alexis Sanchez connected with Kieran Gibbs's cross at the far post to give Lloris no chance and put Arsenal in the lead.
Hugo Lloris had to be at his best moments later though, when he pulled off a phenomenal double save to deny both Cazorla and Sanchez, as they looked on despairingly. The French keeper again saved at point blank range from Giroud, as the first half was quickly turning into the Lloris Show, despite Arsenal being in the lead.
The Gunners were made to pay for their lack of realism in front of goal just before the break, when Tottenham found Moussa Dembele inside the box, who blasted it past Szczesny at his near post, silencing the Emirates instantly.
Much of the second half went by without signficant chances for either team, however Arsenal turned up the heat in the last 15 minutes, only to be denied by Lloris again after Cazorla was put through on goal by Ramsey.
However just as Arsenal were beginning to lose hope of beating the French keeper, Danny Welbeck answered with seconds remaining in extra time. The England international was denied a first time by Lloris, however Arsenal collected the resulting rebound and continued to pressure which finally paid off.
Oxlade-Chamberlain found Welbeck near post with a well placed pass, and this time there were no Lloris heroics as the ball found its way into the goal, giving the ex-Manchester United striker a debut that any Arsenal fan would dream of.
With such an important win coming at such an important time with two debut goals to boot, everyone at Arsenal from players to fans will already be remembering this as one of their best moments of the season so far.
Goals:
Arsenal: Sanchez 4. Welbeck 90+3.
Tottenham: Dembele 44.
Lineups:
Arsenal: Szczesny, Debuchy, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Flamini, Sanchez (Oxlade-Chamberlain 81), Arteta (Ramsey 73), Ozil, Cazorla, Giroud (Welbeck 64).
Subs not used: Martinez, Chambers, Rosicky, Podolski.
Tottenham: Lloris, Naughton, Kaboul, Fazio, Rose, Paulinho (Capoue 86), Dembele, Lamela, Eriksen, Chadli (Townsend 56), Soldado (Adebayor 45).
Subs not used: Vorm, Chiriches, Davies, Stambouli.
Dan
Angelo Ionescu
henrytg
Angelo yeah we definitely deserve the Prem haha
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Last Updated at 10:15 GMT
"We definitely won't be underestimating them, they are a good side that are capable of beating us if we don't play well enough. They're a physical side, and we will be very happy if we come away with three points."
Wenger also commented on the state of Alexis Sanchez, who picked up a knock in the Tottenham game.
"Alexis wil definitely be rested, he bruised his ribs against Tottenham and is still not quite recovered. He should be fit to be involved against Crystal Palace."
Finally, Wenger was asked about Oguzhan Ozyakup, the ex-Gunner who now plays for Besiktas.
"He's a good player and totally deserves to be playing for Besiktas. We really appreciate him for his time at Arsenal and he will definitely be a danger for us tomorrow night."
The return leg is at the Emirates on August 26.
henrytg
Last Updated at 10:15 GMT
It didn't matter though, as five minutes later Tomas Rosicky took advantage of some sloppy defending and poor goalkeeping to find the net from a narrow angle. A poor tackle from Kavlak had put the ball right at Rosicky's feet, and once the goalkeeper was off his line, the Czech finished comfortably.
Soon Arsenal made it two, after a cross from Rosicky was headed down to Welbeck who eventually found the net despite his first shot being well blocked. It was his second goal in as many games, and Gunners fans were clearly delighted with their new signing.
As Besiktas pushed forward to mount a comeback, gaps were left at the back, and Tomas Rosicky almost scored again at point blank range, but was denied by Zengin. The Turkish side also had chances, and Szczesny had be alert to save with his legs after Nerlu got on the end of a free kick. Welbeck had another chance in the second half from a cross, but it was comfortably saved by Zengin.
The match fizzled out an ended with the same score there was at the half, and Arsenal can feel very satisfied about their performance and having taken a huge step towards qualifying for the group stage.
Goals:
Arsenal: Rosicky 6. Welbeck 23.
Besiktas: None.
Lineups:
Arsenal: Szczesny, Debuchy, Mertesacker (Chambers 63), Koscielny, Gibbs, Flamini, Ramsey (Coquelin 52), Oxlade-Chamberlain, Rosicky (Cazorla 77), Podolski, Welbeck.
Subs not used: Martinez, Arteta, Ozil, Giroud.
Besiktas: Zengin, Buruk, Sivok, Gulum, Kocak, Sahan, Kavlak, Hutchinson, Sosa (Mersin 52), Ozyakup (Tore 59), Nurlu (Urganci 66).
Subs not used: Gonen, Franco, Pektemek, Mersin, Ramon.
Angelo Ionescu
henrytg
----------------------------------------------------
Last Updated at 10:15 GMT
It means they go into the match against Crystal Palace with a depleted midfield and some tired legs after the Champions League trip to Turkey, however fans will hope Arsenal will be able to survive their current fitness issues.
After a phenomenal season last year where he was named Arsenal Player of the Year, Aaron Ramsey would have been hoping to continue that form into 2014/2015, however it remains to be seen if this injury will have a impact on him after his return.
henrytg
Last Updated at 10:15 GMT
The hosts had the first chance after ten minutes, when Dwight Gayle fired wide after being played through. However only ten minutes later, Yannick Bolasie scored the first, picking the ball up on the edge of the box before beating two Arsenal defenders and slotting the ball past Szczesny.
Palace had another great chance five minutes later, buy Szczesny was on form with a reflex save, although the Bolasie show continued soon after, the Congan picking up the rebound after Szczesny saved from Jedinak and scoring an easy goal.
The Gunners were down but not out though, and after Olivier Giroud was provided with an excellent low cross from Cazorla, it was an easy finish from five yards out to reduce the deficit.
However instead of crumbling, Crystal Palace came back stronger and both Jedinak and Zaha had chances to make it three.
Bolasie was clearly intent on a hat trick though, and he got his wish ten minutes into the second half, poking home a well delivered corner to restore Palace's two goal lead.
Arsenal were visibly deflated, and Bolasie even had two more great chances, both of which were well saved by Szczesny to deny the Palace winger a potential five goal game.
To add insult to injury for The Gunners, Laurent Koscielny saw red on 70 minutes after he brought down Zaha in a last man challenge. The Frenchman couldn't complain, and Arsenal finished the match with ten men.
Arsenal will look to bounce back in the return leg of the Champions League playoff game against Besiktas in a few days time.
Goals:
Arsenal: Giroud 40.
Crystal Palace: Bolasie 21, 29, 56.
Lineups:
Arsenal: Szczesny, Debuchy, Mertesacker (Chambers 63), Koscielny, Gibbs, Flamini, Arteta (Chambers 73), Cazorla, Ozil (Coquelin 70), Sanchez (Podolski 45), Giroud.
Subs not used: Martinez, Monreal, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Welbeck.
Crystal Palace: Hennessey, Kelly, McCarthy, Hangeland, Fryers, McArthur, Jedinak (Williams 73), Zaha, Chamakh (Ledley 57), Bolasie, Campbell (Gayle 7).
Subs not used: Speroni, Mariappa, Delaney, Puncheon.
Dan