Barcelona took on Arsenal in the first half with a squad that was composed of a blend between their usual starters and some experimental inclusions that Xavi was possibly testing simply to see how they do in his current setup for Barca.
The half for the most part was more or less an even distribution of control over the game, but Arsenal arguably had the better chances to capitalise upon during the first 45 minutes. The team was also seen wearing kit numbers as assigned for this preseason tour.
Goals from Lewandowski and Raphinha saw Barcelona score their two, while goals from Saka and Havertz helped Arsenal keep the game level at halftime, although the young Englishman could have added one more but missed his penalty.
Interestingly, Ez Abde was involved in both goals for Barcelona. In the buildup to the first goal by Lewandowski, it was Abde’s dribble and progression with the ball that made it possible. While for the second goal, it was Abde who won the foul for the freekick that Raphinha would then go on to score from.
The final 10 minutes or so of the first half ended up getting feisty though, as both sides began to rack up unnecessary challenges and accumulating yellow cards that saw tempers rise.
The second half, in contrast, felt like it was all Arsenal. While Barcelona made several changes, almost the entirety of the playing eleven, Arsenal decided to keep on most of their starters from the first half.
Continuous good chances for Arsenal and a lethargic-looking Barcelona side coupled together and resulted in a great half for Arsenal and a sub-standard one for the Catalans.
By the end of the game, the 5-3 scoreline showcases a team raring for their season to start, playing their fourth friendly of the preseason, while the other still needs to find its best set of players and get going for them to be prepared for the upcoming campaign.
