Arsenal began their three-match tour of the United States with a 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Bournemouth after a 1-1 draw in Los Angeles.
Fabio Vieira scored for Arsenal in the first half, volleying Reiss Nelson's deep cross into the far bottom corner. Bournemouth's Dominic Solanke and Daniel Jebbison were denied by Arsenal's Karl Hein, who made crucial saves. Hein could not stop Antoine Semenyo’s goal, which deflected off Omar Rekik and went into the corner.
Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto later thwarted Leandro Trossard's attempt following a strong play by Martin Odegaard. The match was ultimately decided by a penalty shootout, with Ryan Christie missing his spot-kick, making the difference.
Arsenal's experienced players were all involved except Emile Smith Rowe, who has been linked with a move to Fulham. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta explained, "There are things happening in the background and we decided the best thing to do was to keep him away from the game."
Bournemouth’s tour of California ended with this match, following a draw with Wrexham. Arsenal will face Manchester United at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday.
**Arsenal Emphasizes Youth Development**
Arsenal is nearing a £34m deal for Italy defender Riccardo Califiori but remains focused on youth development as they aim to close the gap on Manchester City after finishing second in the Premier League for two consecutive seasons.
Four young players started against Bournemouth, each showing varying levels of performance. Ethan Nwaneri, 17, made an impressive run but failed to convert a chance for Eddie Nketiah. Ayden Heaven, also 17, played in defense but struggled against Dominic Solanke, leading to a key save by Hein. Salah-Eddine Oulad M’hand, 20, showed potential on the left flank, though Nelson was more effective.
**Solanke Continues Pre-Season Form**
Bournemouth's kit, designed by actor and producer Michael B Jordan, did not feature a front-of-shirt sponsor. The club recently announced a deal with Asian online betting company BJ88 for the next two seasons, before a Premier League ban on gambling firms as main sponsors.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola faces the challenge of improving on last season's 12th-place finish and securing a European spot. Solanke, Bournemouth's primary attacking threat, needs to replicate his previous season's form. He had multiple efforts blocked or missed, including a shot saved by Hein, as well as another attempt that went over the bar before being substituted in the second half.
