Substitute Gabriel Martinelli helped Arsenal complete a comeback 2-1 win over Manchester United in a friendly encounter played at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday.
Having only joined the squad during the week after participating in Brazil’s Copa America campaign, Martinelli came on for Reiss Nelson after 71 minutes and made his impact 10 minutes later for the win.
It was Manchester United that made a bright start in LA with Rasmus Hojlund getting on the end of a Marcus Rashford ball in to slot through Karl Hein’s legs for the opening goal after just nine minutes.
Hojlund’s game unfortunately came to a premature end seven minutes later when he tweaked his hamstring while trying to score a chance.
That saw the momentum swing in Arsenal’s favour and Gabriel Jesus brought the Gunners level after 26 minutes, finishing off Ethan Nwaneri’s ball into the area.
The Red Devils suffered another injury blow when new signing Leny Yoro also went off injured, replaced by youngster Rhys Bennett 10 minutes before the half-time break in LA.
Mason Mount and Leandro Trossard were denied chances to put their respective sides in front at either side of the half, and with the game looking to finish level Martinelli came clutch with a fine effort to seal the win.
Manchester United did get some consolation after claiming the win in a predetermined penalty shootout that followed the game.
United next face Real Betis on August 1 before meeting Liverpool on August 4 to wrap up their US tour before returning to the UK for the Community Shield clash with Manchester City at Wembley.
Arsenal on their part end their US tour against Liverpool in Philadelphia on August 1 before returning to London to face Bayer Leverkusen and Olynpique Lyon.