Arsenal began their U.S. tour with a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Bournemouth after a 1-1 draw in Los Angeles. Fabio Vieira opened the scoring for Arsenal, volleying in a Reiss Nelson cross to give the Gunners a first-half lead.
The match saw three bookings and intense competition. Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein made crucial saves against Dominic Solanke and new signing Daniel Jebbison. However, Hein was unable to stop Antoine Semenyo’s deflected strike, which leveled the match for Bournemouth.
Despite late pressure and a chance for Leandro Trossard, denied by Bournemouth’s Neto, the game proceeded to a pre-planned penalty shootout. Ryan Christie’s miss proved decisive, securing Arsenal’s win.
Post-match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta addressed Emile Smith Rowe’s absence, citing behind-the-scenes developments and potential transfer links to Fulham as reasons for his exclusion. Arsenal next faces Manchester United in Los Angeles, while Bournemouth wraps up their California trip following their draw with Wrexham.
