Arsenal back Solis spark in Emirates Cup opener
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Arsenal host Borussia Dortmund in the Emirates Cup after winning the pre-season competition in each of the past four editions. The London side have shown solid form in recent friendlies, while new winger Solis has quickly emerged as a major talking point after scoring on his debut and supplying an assist in his next outing.
Key Points
- Arsenal have won the Emirates Cup in the last four editions and return to their home ground for the latest curtain-raiser against Dortmund on Sunday at 21:00 Hong Kong time.
- Mikel Arteta's side opened pre-season with a 3-0 win over Milton Keynes and a 4-1 victory against Girona before losing 3-1 to Real Betis.
- Arteta was unhappy with defensive mistakes against Betis, though that match was also used to build fitness for later-returning players including Gabriel Magalhaes.
- Solis, a 24-year-old Greece international, joined from Club Brugge for £34.5 million and scored against Girona before assisting from a corner against Betis.
- Dortmund have gone two wins and two defeats in their last four friendlies, and travel without Nico Schlotterbeck, Emre Can and Paredes.
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong fans following European football in pre-season, the match offers an early gauge of Arsenal's squad depth and how quickly a major new signing can adapt before the competitive campaign begins. Solis's fast integration also adds intrigue to Arsenal's attacking options as supporters assess whether the club look ready for another title push.