Justin Bieber spotted, Jorginho classy response – Moments missed from Arsenal vs Man Utd

Latest Arsenal news as the Gunners won for the first time of pre-season in California against Man United

Jorginho showed his class for Arsenal in pre-season win over Manchester United (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

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Arsenal’s pre-season tour of the United States continued on Sunday morning as they defeated Premier League rivals Manchester United 2-1 at the SoFi Stadium.

Gabriel Martinelli’s 81st minute winner in his first game back from Copa America handed Mikel Arteta’s side their first win of pre-season. Rasmus Hojlund had put United ahead early on before Gabriel Jesus levelled.

The Gunners were the better team throughout the contest with injuries to Hojlund and Leny Yoro forcing United to play with academy players for large parts of the game. Nevertheless, it was an improved performance by Arsenal from Wednesday’s draw with AFC Bournemouth.

Here, football.london takes a look at moments you may have missed from the win Stateside.

Jorginho leader

After starting in the friendly with Bournemouth, 17-year-old Ayden Heaven started at centre-back alongside Jurrien Timber at the SoFi Stadium.

Unfortunately for the academy prodigy, he struggled with the physicality and power of Rasmus Hojlund. A long ball over the Gunners defence left the defender 1v1 with the striker and the latter came out on top.

READ MORE: Arsenal vs Manchester United highlights as Gunners win 2-1

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After beating Heaven, the striker slotted past Karl Hein to put United ahead. As United celebrated the opener, experienced midfielder Jorginho was straight to the defender to ensure his spirits were not impacted.

Fortunately, he recovered well and showed good determination to bounce back. Hojlund going off with a slight injury probably helped!

Gabriel Jesus responds to transfer talk

Much has been made of Arsenal’s ‘need’ for a new centre-forward before the transfer window shuts this summer. Despite having Jesus, Kai Havertz and Eddie Nketiah to choose from, talk has continued over pre-season over a reinforcement.

The club are pushing ahead for a new defender and midfielder but it’s expected a new striker will be prioritised next. However, Jesus showed what he could do in California.

After tapping Ethan Nwaneri’s delivery across goal into the empty net, the Brazilian immediately cupped his ears as he ran off in celebration.

A player who has repeatedly been questioned for his lack of striker instinct, Jesus showed good centre-forward play to equalise for the Gunners.

Gabriel Jesus was on the scoresheet for Arsenal against Manchester United (Image: Patrick T. Fallon)

Celebrity attendance

Every time Premier League teams visit the United States, celebrities from all over jump at the chance of watching a game. Arsenal’s pre-season friendly with Manchester United was no different.

Canadian pop singer Justin Bieber was at the SoFi Stadium to witness the Gunners in action against United. Bieber is a renowned football fan and has visited England to watch Premier League football previously.

Actor Will Poulter was also showing his support, wearing Arsenal’s 2024/25 home kit. The English actor, who was born in Hammersmith, has been a fan for over a decade. He even posted a selfie on the official Arsenal X account.

Competitive nature

It may have only been a pre-season friendly but there were a number of moments where the competitive nature came out from both sets of players. There was one incident that left Jesus furious at the fourth official after a decision wasn’t given in front of him but there was one particular tackle that left the whole team angry.

A challenge by Casemiro was met with nearly all players being angered by the referee’s decision not to give a foul. It’s fair to say that the challenge probably would have been met with a yellow card if it was a league game.

Arteta also remained chaotic on the sidelines with him calling for every foul. Fans will love that the Gunners maintain their high standards of competitiveness throughout all times.