What we learned from pre-season matches in US

Premier League clubs continued their preparations for 2024/25, with Arsenal, AFC Bournemouth and Chelsea in action overnight in the United States.

Arsenal 1-1 AFC Bournemouth (Arsenal win 5-4 on pens)

What happened?
Fabio Vieira gave Arsenal a 17th-minute lead with a volley before a second-half goal from a deflected shot by Antoine Semenyo brought Bournemouth level at the Dignity Health Sports Park, Los Angeles. The contest went to a penalty shootout where Arsenal came out on top, after their goalkeeper Karl Hein saved twice. See: Arsenal report | Bournemouth reaction

What did we learn?
A number of young players shone for Arsenal such as Ethan Nwaneri, who created a chance for Eddie Nketiah after starting the attack from his own half. Captain Martin Odegaard also looked lively but Emile Smith Rowe did not feature, with media reports linking him with a move to Fulham. "There are things happening in the background at the moment and we decided the best thing to do was keep him away from the game today," said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.

Andoni Iraola fielded a strong side, including Dominic Solanke, who looked sharp, striking the woodwork once and going close with a good chance. Illia Zabarnyi and Marcus Tavernier were also among the first-team players who featured.

What did the managers say?
Mikel Arteta: "The [young players] have impressed us in a really positive way, that’s the thing," the Arsenal boss said on the club's website. "It’s not easy to come up to the level and the standards that we are putting ourselves into right now, and they’re really getting there, very close. They’re a joy to work with every day."

Andoni Iraola: "I feel much more happy than I did against Wrexham. I think we played much better than the other day with a different rhythm," he said on the club's website. "We tied the game but I think we had the most clear chances and we were in control of the game during long parts of the game."

Who do they play next?
Arsenal continue their US tour against Manchester United on 28 July. Bournemouth are next in action on 4 August against Rayo Vallecano at Vitality Stadium.

Chelsea 2-2 Wrexham

What happened? 
Chelsea's first match under Enzo Maresca ended all-square with the League One side. Christopher Nkunku put the Blues in front on 35 minutes before Wrexham turned the match round, but Lesley Ugochukwu levelled proceedings in the final 10 minutes. See: Chelsea report

What did we learn?
One of the trademarks of Maresca's playing style is inverting his full-backs which meant Reece James often went into midfield when in possession, with Romeo Lavia, with Carney Chukwuemeka and Nkunku deployed in more advanced central roles. There was a return for centre-back Wesley Fofana after more than a year out through injury. Defensively, both goals came from mistakes, with the second coming after Chelsea attempted to play out from the back.

What did the manager say?
"For sure we are going to concede goals during the season trying to build from the back," Maresca said on the club's website. "Hopefully we are not going to concede too many but it is one of the risks that you have trying to build from the back."

Who do they play next?
Chelsea travel to Indiana to face Celtic on 27 July at the Notre Dame Stadium.