Arsenal beat Championship strugglers Charlton Athletic 6-0 at the Emirates on Saturday, as a number of clubs stepped up their preparations for a Premier League return.
With the league set to resume on June 17 following the coronavirus lockdown, a number of clubs have been attempting to build up their players’ fitness and get used to the behind-closed doors conditions they can expect for competitive action.
Mikel Arteta’s side eased to victory at home, with Eddie Nketiah netting a hat-trick in a 6-0 win with forwards Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette also on the scoresheet.
Arsenal will be in action on the first night back when they take on Manchester City, while Charlton are set to resume on the weekend of June 20.
Despite the defeat, Charlton boss Lee Bowyer was pleased with what he saw from his side.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was also on the scoresheet for Arsenal
“To be playing against those players… some of them have been playing Champions League for years, playing against a proper opposition, every single position they are really strong,” Bowyer told the Charlton website.
“Our players didn’t disgrace themselves, they worked hard and tried to do the right things, it will be good for them, a good learning curve.
“It was a good workout. Obviously playing Arsenal, they are a proper side. It was a difficult workout and it was good fitness.
“Of course we were rusty, we were always going to be that, but the lads worked hard and put all their effort in and we looked quite good fitness-wise. It was a good test for us.”
Source: Sky Sports News
