Viktor Gyokeres [Jay Patel/SPP]

EMIRATES CUP

ARSENAL 3 (Gyokeres 33, Saka 38, Havertz 81)

ATHLETIC BILBAO 0 

MARQUEE summer-signing Viktor Gyokeres grabbed his first Arsenal goal with a glancing header in this comfortable pre-season win.

It was all looking a little edgy after he fluffed a sitter and hit another underwhelming shot into the side netting in the first half an hour.

But he looks like the sort who will only grow in confidence the more he scores.

Even in the brief spell after his goal he started showing signs of being able to seize control of a game – something Arsenal’s attackers have been a little lacking in recent years.

He certainly has a presence about him and big bustling running style, a bit like Erling Haaland.

After the match, manager Mikel Arteta said: “It was really important for him to start a match and have the connection with the team.

“I saw a lot of things, a lot of purpose. We are going to be ready for Sunday.

“He is so willing and so confident that he can deliver. I have no doubt he will be in a very good place.”

What is certain is that he is going to get a lot of chances from the right side because Bukayo Saka is in tip top form.

His goal was well taken – steered in from distance on the half volley with his weaker foot – after Gabi Martinelli took out the keeper with a cute pass.

Kai Havertz – the man Gyokeres has ultimately been brought in to replace – scored the pick of the bunch ten minutes from time after coming on as a sub.

He ran onto a lobbed-pass from Saka, fended off the defender struggling to get back from behind him, and calmly slotted into the far corner on the angle as the keeper came out to  meet him.

It was nothing short of clinical, and also ironic.

There was a huge roar for him, and he had a broad smile.

The squad – after the expansion pack-style investment this summer – feels not only gigantic but also top quality.

There is a seemingly endless list of players that could all be picked in any starting line up – and they will all be hoping to feature in the coming season.

The new defender Christian Mosquera – a signing that has gone under the radar – looks Saliba-esque.

Last summer’s capture from AC Milan Ricardo Calafiori caught the eye in the first half, striking some incredible passes and breezing past opponents.

The pint-sized Zubimendi has something of the Lucas Torreira about him.

He looks assured on the ball, and it was his first time whipped-in cross that was met by Gyokeres for the memorable opener.

Madueke had a few flashes of energetic wing play. He replaced Martinelli on the left side.

It’s not clear whether Arteta will end up starting ahead of the Brazilian.

The style of play felt fairly similar to last season — plodding at times, a little too safe at times – bordering on boring in the second half .

But there seemed to be a few tactical tweaks in the offing.

At one point., Calafiori and Gabriel suddenly crossed the pitch over to the right wing – behind Saka, and backed up by Jurien Timber behind them.

The move created a huge overload and were clearly supposed to be hit with a long range pass from the defensive midfield.

But the Zubimendi didn’t seem to have got the memo, and the crossfield ball did not arrive quick enough for the trap to be set.

There was a lot of handwaving and gesturing from the players after the mix up, but it felt like this was a new surprise tactic we might see more of this season.

Declan Rice had his usual flawless game and Ethan Nwaneri came on after signing his long term contract.

Wonderkid Max Dowman was not in the squad, with the 15 year old taking on holiday with his parents.

Everyone is fit. The team is busting with competition for places.

Confidence should be sky high going to the big Man U Premier League opener on Sunday.

The big question is whether Arteta’s often slow and methodical style of play will bring enough wins to lift the title. .

Last year, there were too many draws with sides that should have been blown away.

There can be no more excuses.

Arsenal face Man U in the 4.30pm game next Sunday.

Arsenal: Raya, Timber (White), Saliba, Gabriel (Mosquera), Calafiori (Lewis-Skelly), Zubimendi, Rice, Saka, Odegaard (Nwaneri), Martinelli (Madueke), Gyokeres (Havertz)
Subs not used: Kepa, Kiwior, Norgaard, Zinchenko, Nelson, Lokonga, Rojas

Athletic Bilbao: Simon, Lekue, Berchiche, Vivian, Areso, Galaerreta, Jauregizar, Gomez, n Williams,  i Williams, Berenguer.
Subs not used: Padilla, Izeta.