Liputan6.com, Jakarta Arsenal successfully concluded their pre-season preparations with a strong 3-0 victory over Athletic Club in the 2025 Emirates Cup.
The match, held at their home ground, Emirates Stadium, London, on Saturday, August 9, 2025, marked the Gunners' readiness for the new season.
This victory not only solidified Arsenal's dominance in the pre-season tournament they hosted, but also provided crucial capital ahead of the start of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
Three unanswered goals from Viktor Gyokeres, Bukayo Saka, and Kai Havertz ensured the Emirates Cup trophy remained in North London.
Arsenal Outstanding Victory in Emirates Cup 2025
The match between Arsenal and Athletic Club was a tense affair from the start, but Arsenal managed to showcase their attacking prowess.
The opening goal was scored by new signing Viktor Gyokeres, who immediately demonstrated his prowess in front of goal.
This was his first goal for the Gunners, marking a promising start for the striker.
Arsenal's lead was then doubled by Bukayo Saka, who calmly converted a chance.
Saka's impressive performances on the wing continued to pose a threat to Athletic Club's defense.
The youngster's contribution is always crucial in every Arsenal match.
Kai Havertz, who came on as a substitute, completed Arsenal's goal-scoring fest by scoring the third goal.
Havertz's goal secured a resounding 3-0 victory for the home team.
Viktor Gyokeres Debut Goal
All eyes were on Viktor Gyokeres, a £63.5 million summer signing from Sporting CP.
He was also looking to make his mark after a less-than-impressive debut against Villarreal.
Gyokeres delivered in the 34th minute, powering Martin Zubimendi's pinpoint cross into the far corner.
It was a crucial goal for the Swedish striker, whose aerial prowess had been questioned last season.Just two minutes later, Arsenal doubled their lead.
A neat one-touch pass between Gyokeres and captain Martin Odegaard freed Gabriel Martinelli down the left flank.
The Brazilian exploited a high Athletic defense and then set up Bukayo Saka, who finished with a shot into the empty net.
Gyokeres almost scored a second after the break when he met Noni Madueke's pass.
However, his header hit the post after a brilliant save from Unai Simon.
Emirates Cup History
The Emirates Cup is a pre-season tournament hosted by Arsenal since 2007, and the Gunners have an impressive record of dominance in this event.
Since its inception, Arsenal have won eight of the 13 editions of the tournament.
This success demonstrates their consistency as hosts.Including this victory in 2025, Arsenal have won the tournament three years in a row.
This achievement confirms that the Emirates Cup is not just a warm-up event, but also a platform for Arsenal to showcase their strength and prepare for the regular season.
This dominance also demonstrates that Arsenal always takes every match seriously, including pre-season matches.
The Emirates Cup trophy is an addition to the club's trophy cabinet and sends a strong signal to its Premier League rivals.