Arsenal suffered a 2-1 defeat to Scottish side Hibernian in their first game of the season in Edinburgh.
Hibs took a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Martin Boyle and Daniel MacKay, with Emile Smith Rowe taking a consolation strike late.
Arsenal’s first summer friendliness will not plan? pic.twitter.com/lOrKEqlzyw
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Arsenal named a mixed starting XI, mixed youth and experience. Hungary’s Arthur Okonkwo started in goal behind a back four by Cedric Soares, Harry Clarke, Pablo Mari and Sead Kolasinac.
Reiss Nelson, Mohammed Elneny and Ainsley Maitland-Niles lined up in midfield with Willian, Eddie Nketiah and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang starting in front. As usual during the pre-season, eight changes were made at half-time with Thomas Partey, Alexandre Lacazette and Folarin Balogun among those who came in.
The Gunners got a nightmare start and let in under embarrassing circumstances with just over 20 minutes of play. Cedric tried to play a back pass to Okonkwo but the goalkeeper – who looked shaky all the time – made a hash of it, so that Boyle could hit the empty net.
Arsenal offered a bit in response before the break with the Hibs denied a second goal with the post. It got even worse for the Gunners in the second half. A few minutes after Partey had hit the woodwork, Hibs made it 2-0 when MacKay used some slack marking to nod home from a corner.
It was an evening to forget for the Gunners / Steve Welsh / Getty Images
Arsenal then had the opportunity to withdraw one from the penalty spot, just so that the weak attempt of half-time substitute Nicolas Pepe would be easily saved. Nine minutes from the time, Smith Rowe – another replacement – finally gave Arsenal something to celebrate and volleyed home Hector Bellerin’s post on the back post.
The Gunners pressed for an equalizer but it was not so. The result is a shock, given the wealth of first-team players Arsenal had. Mikel Arteta hopes for a better performance when his team meets Rangers in their next away season on Saturday.
