Balogun's costly mistake and Nwaneri's moment of magic - 4 things you missed from Arsenal vs Nurnberg

Arsenal began their pre-season schedule with a hard-fought 1-1 draw with German second division side Nurnberg.

Mikel Arteta took a 30-man squad to Germany for the match at the Max-Morlock-Stadion and named a strong starting line-up for the game, with the majority of Arsenal's first-team featuring in the first half.

Bukayo Saka opened the scoring after just seven minutes with a well-taken finish as Arsenal dominated the opening 45 minutes.

Arteta switched things up after the break, handing new signing Kai Havertz his debut for the club. But the Gunners were stunned when Nurnberg equalised through a freak own goal from Jorginho.

Arsenal were made to settle for a draw and Arteta will have plenty to ponder ahead of their next pre-season game against an MLS All-Stars XI on July 20.

Here are five things you may have missed from the entertaining draw in Germany.

Odegaard's last-minute withdrawal

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard was named in Arsenal's starting line-up but picked up a knock in the warm-up, with Fabio Vieira taking his place in the side.

While his injury is not expected to be serious, there are concerns over Oleksandr Zinchenko – who also missed the game. He is reported to have picked up a 'more serious' problem which could force him out of several pre-season games.

Gabriel tested in new role

With Zinchenko unavailable, Jakub Kiwior started on the left side of a back four for Arsenal. But the Poland international spent the majority of the first half in midfield, playing as an inverted full-back.

Gabriel shifted over to the left side of the defence when Arsenal were in possession, an unfamiliar role for the Brazilian. He looked solid in the position, while Kiwior was heavily involved. Promising signs for Arteta, particularly if Zinchenko's injury is worse than expected.

Nwaneri's magic piece of skill

Arteta made a number of changes in the second half, including introducing 16-year-old Ethan Nwaneri.

The youngster has just penned a new record-breaking deal with the Gunners after rejecting the chance to join Chelsea and Manchester City.

He looked full of confidence and took out two Nurnberg players with a beautiful piece of skill. Check it out below.

Arsenal fans will be looking forward to seeing much more of him this season.

💫 Yeah locking down Ethan Nwaneri was unbelievable business

Slightly concerning how much better he looked than Fabio Vieira…

pic.twitter.com/GBeASmJxfT

— Rory Talks Football (@Rory_Talks_Ball) July 13, 2023

Balogun's moment to forget

Eddie Nketiah started the match up front for Arsenal, with Gabriel Jesus and Folarin Balogun coming off the bench in the second half.

Balogun will be desperate to impress Arteta in pre-season after returning from a successful loan at French club Reims. But didn't have the best of starts.

Shortly after coming on, he missed an open goal – admittedly from a tight angle – managing to hit the post when it looked easier to score.

He looked like he would make amends for that error in the final minute of normal time when he rounded the Nurnberg goalkeeper, only to fire into the side netting.

The United States international will be hoping for better luck when Arsenal face the MLS All-Stars in their second warm-up match next week.