sport news Eddie Nketiah impresses as Arteta goes strong: FIVE things we learned from ... trends now

Arsenal enjoyed a confidence boosting 3-0 win on their first outing at the Dubai Super Cup against Lyon as the Premier League leaders prepare for the domestic season's resumption later this month.

The display will have given Mikel Arteta optimism ahead of the restart despite being without 10 players, who have been with their respective national sides at the World Cup in Qatar.

Several of Arteta's squad will hope to have given the Arsenal manager food for thought during the first of two matches they are due to play as part of a warm-weather training camp in the UAE.

Here Sportsmail takes a look at what we learned from clash with Lyon.

Eddie Nketiah made his case to step into Gabriel Jesus' shoes 

Arteta admitted post match that the absence of Jesus would have an impact on his team, with no clear timescale on the forward's return from the knee injury he sustained at the World Cup.

With Jesus having undergone surgery to correct the problem in his right knee, Arteta said the club would have to look at the options available to them, having been asked whether the injury has impacted the club's transfer plans.

Nketiah is best placed to step into Jesus' boots when the Premier League season returns - despite suggestions Gabriel Martinelli could move into a central role.

Nketiah's display in Dubai was always going to be scrutinised following Jesus' injury and 23-year-old produced an impressive showing. Nketiah was involved from the start, setting up Reiss Nelson for an early chance when the fellow academy graduate struck the upright.

Arteta would undoubtedly have been pleased to see Nketiah get on the scoresheet as he finished off a counter-attack from Fabio Vieira's pass. With Jesus likely to be on the sidelines for an extended spell, these warm-up matches could be vital in filling Nketiah with confidence ahead of a potential run in the starting line-up.

Arteta wants to maintain momentum by naming a strong side

Arsenal's increased strength in depth was shown by Arteta being able to name a strong side, despite 10 of his players being away at the World Cup.

The Arsenal boss selected a familiar team for the first-half against Lyon, with third-choice goalkeeper Karl Hein the only starter without Premier League experience.

Arteta's decision was justified as the Premier League leaders raced into a 3-0 advantage before half-time.

The opening hour appeared the perfect tune-up for the restart of the season, with Gabriel and Rob Holding's strong displays in central defence preventing Lyon from having any clear cut openings, while captain Martin Odegaard was free to create and Mohamed Elneny and Sambi Lokonga offered midfield security.

The dominance allowed Arteta to freshen the side up in the second half. He made 10 changes to rest his starters and give academy players a taste of the action.

The Arsenal manager's task over the World Cup break has been to ensure his side do not lose their momentum after powering into a five-point lead after 14 matches - and went some way to achieving that with Thursday's comfortable win. 

Lacazette leads Lyon but struggles against former team-mates

The friendly offered

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