Havertz highlights Gyokeres problem, Martin Zubimendi stars and Arsenal's left-wing issue

Arsenal took on their first match of pre-season and came out with a one-goal win and a clean sheet in addition. The first games of the summer always highlight rustiness in the team as match fitness takes priority.

However, there are always important lessons to be learned and problems that the manager can address in the side. Mikel Arteta watched on as he gave three appearances to summer signings, and a collection of youngsters also got to showcase their talents.

It was a game which gave more than perhaps we were expecting, for both good and bad reasons. With that in mind, football.london discusses the three main lessons that were learned from the win over Milan.

We’ve signed a special midfielder

While he didn't come on until the second half, the first glimpse of Martin Zubimendi in an Arsenal shirt was a very good one. The Spaniard is filling a role that has been pivotal to the Gunners' title challenges over the previous seasons and comes with a lot of responsibility to be the foundation of the team's progression.

The former Real Sociedad midfielder brought so much from his time in Spain and displayed the benefits that Arteta first wanted to see in the side long before his eventual move this summer. The passes fizzed into the middle of the field, particularly to Martin Odegaard, who showcased exactly the type of move we will be seeing plenty of next season.

He did not just sit in the 'six' role either, venturing forward at times, looking to combine with quick passes and also to find incisive balls into the box. One pass to Leandro Trossard nearly created a valuable chance.

Left wing remains a problem

The club's recruitment drive has seen them bring in several players, but despite what many felt was a necessity, there have not yet been signings on the left-hand side. Against Milan, Mikel Arteta started with Gabriel Martinelli and then swapped to Leandro Trossard at half-time.

Eventually the Belgian moved into the middle and Reiss Nelson came on to play on the left. The irony being that the 25-year-old Hale End graduate looked the most dangerous and successful in the role of all three on the day.

Currently, Nelson is being linked with a move to Fulham, while on the opposing team, Rafael Leao, a player linked to Arsenal, didn't particularly impress either. Now, it is important not to read too much into individual games, but the match did allow us a sense of perspective.

There is a chance Arsenal will still recruit a player for the left. football.london is aware that the club do want to sign a third attacking player, but so far the likeliest target, Eberechi Eze, is not a natural left winger - though can be an option in the position. It remains an area that still needs solutions or refinement.

A problem Viktor Gyokeres cannot solve

This could be the last time Arsenal play without their brand-new striker as the club await the arrival of Viktor Gyokeres. In his stead, Kai Havertz played the majority of the match at centre-forward but did not threaten himself.

He was, however, very involved in the play, making key runs which were not found and winning key duels. Mikel Arteta identified an issue that Gyokeres might not be able to solve, even if he does replace the German in the starting XI.

"[Havertz is] in a very good place," Arteta said. "I think the game he had, he was in three or four times completely free, and the ball didn't arrive to him.

"The work rate that he offers to the team is top. He scored the other day against Watford and was very close a couple of times as well. Overall, very happy with him."

When Gyokeres does arrive in the side, there will be a massive expectation. But the player will need to be given the tools to succeed by his teammates, and based on this performance, however early it is, there is plenty of room for improvement.

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