Arsenal vs Lyon result: Moussa Dembele's quickfire double inflicts defeat on Gunners
Relive all the action from the Emirates Cup pre-season tournament at the Emirates Stadium
Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free
Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter
Arsenal tumbled to a 2-1 defeat against Lyon in the Emirates Cup after a familiar lapse of concentration undid Unai Emery’s side’s strong start.
After a strong start, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang gave the Gunners a deserved lead, turning in Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s rifled cross after 35 minutes.
However, the Gunners were made to pay for switching off in the second half when Moussa Dembele stole into the box unmarked to head home the equaliser. Nine minutes later, after Gabriel Martinelli’s effort was ruled outside, the French striker put Lyon ahead with a cool finish into the bottom corner. Relive all the action below.
What time does it start?
The Emirates Cup gets underway with Arsenal Women taking on Bayern Munich at 12:30pm, before the men’s side take on Lyon at 3:15pm.
Where can I watch it?
The match will be shown live on Premier Sport 1, with full coverage provided on The Independent.
Lyon win a corner on the right and it's Memphis Depay who takes. The Netherlands international's outswinging ball is beaten away by Bernd Leno at the near post. Arsenal are back in possession, but Lyon are pressing with real vigour at the moment.
Matteo Guendouzi combines well with Mkhitaryan and Lacazette, and the French striker is able to get a right-footed shot off just outside the box. It's dragged wide of Anthony Lopes' right post, however.
Neither team has really settled in these opening 10 minutes. Both sides are pressing well and dispossessing the opposition regularly. Guendouzi has stood out so far for Arsenal though. The 20-year-old is constantly looking to get forward when receiving the ball in midfield.
A decent cross from Nacho Monreal on the left wing is headed behind for an Arsenal corner. Nothing comes of it, but the home side hang on to the ball and soon earn another corner. Nothing to shout about in the direct aftermath, but a slick Gunners move ends with Monreal going down in the box and wanting a penalty. The referee waves off the Spaniard's claims.
An early substitution for Arsenal sees Lacazette leave the field as 19-year-old Reiss Nelson comes on in his place.
Lacazette seemed to be somewhat troubled as he departed the pitch, but it didn't look like he was suffering any serious injury...
Reiss Nelson has taken up position on the right wing and he looks lively already. First he flashes a low ball across the Napoli goal, then he's involved in a move that sees Joe Willock's right-footed shot inside the box saved well.
CHANCE FOR ARSENAL! The Gunners' closest effort so far. The ball is whipped in from the right and Mkhitaryan meets it expertly on the volley inside the box. Lopes dives to his right and palms away the shot, and the rebound is blasted over by Willock!
Arsenal are applying almost constant pressure at the moment. Lyon are struggling to make an impact on the game now, with their early energy seeming to desert them.
Emery will be happy with the start his side have made and he'll be particularly pleased with his youngsters. Willock and substitute Nelson are full of confidence and running. The Gunners' boss may feel that his team should have converted one of their chances, however.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies