With goals from Džekeres, Bukayo Saka, and Kai Havertz, Arsenal defeated Athletic Bilbao 3-0 in the Emirates Cup. Coach Arteta expressed his satisfaction with the players' flexibility and the threat they created during the match.

In the 34th minute of the game, Martin Subimendi received the ball from the right and passed it into the penalty area. Dzekeres immediately stepped forward and headed the ball into the goal, helping Arsenal to open the scoring with a 1-0 lead. This was also the first time Dzekeres scored for the Gunners since joining Arsenal.

In the 36th minute, Martinelli dealt with the pass from Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simon, and Saka received the ball and pushed it into the empty goal, helping Arsenal continue to lead Bilbao 2-0.

In the 82nd minute of the second half, Havertz received a lob from Saka and found the back of the net, volleying home to extend Arsenal's lead to 3-0. Ultimately, Arsenal defeated Bilbao 3-0, welcoming the new season with a victory.

Arsenal manager Arteta said, "We have our own qualities in different playing positions, and many players can play multiple positions. This brings diversity and can provide the team with a variety of abilities and threats. Next, we will manage it properly so that everyone maintains tacit understanding and fighting spirit, and we can adjust the lineup at any time to create more difficulties for teammates."

“I’m very happy with the team’s performance. The way we played, the teamwork, the fluidity, the energy and the level of threat we displayed throughout the match were all of a very high standard. There were also many outstanding individual performances, but I’m very happy with the result and the clean sheet.”

On the other hand, in the first round of the 2025/26 Premier League season, Arsenal will go to Old Trafford to challenge Manchester United.

When talking about the performance of the new signings, Arteta said, "Martin Zubmendi's passing quality is absolutely top-notch. He performed very well from start to finish. For Zikeres, it was really important psychologically to score the first goal. He participated in many key attacks in the game, and Havertz also scored a wonderful goal after coming on as a substitute, so I am really satisfied with the team's performance."

"We will analyse this game and review what we did throughout pre-season to make final adjustments, and we will be ready for the season opener."