Superb Bukayo Saka Strike Canceled Out By Freak Goal As Arsenal Draw With Nurnberg In First Pre-Season Friendly

Arsenal began their 2023 pre-season schedule with a 1-1 draw against Nurnberg in an entertaining friendly in Germany on Thursday.

The Gunners took an early lead in the seventh minute thanks to a fine strike from Bukayo Saka.

England winger Saka collected the ball near the right corner flag following a long-range pass from Ben White. Saka then cut back onto his left foot and drilled a low shot inside the near post.

But Nurnberg equalized with a freak goal just after the hour mark.

Gunners keeper Karl Hein was stood 25 yards away from his goal when he played a risky pass towards Jorginho. The Italy midfielder stretched in an attempt to get to the ball but succeeded only in deflecting it onto the shin of Kanji Okunuki, who inadvertently sent it into the back of the unguarded net from long range.

Highlights: Nurnberg 1-1 Arsenal

Arsenal used 22 players during the game, including Kai Havertz, who made his debut for the club as a half-time substitute. The former Chelsea man played in central midfield.

Meanwhile, USMNT striker Folarin Balogun made his first Arsenal appearance since returning from a season-long loan at Reims.

Balogun frightened the Nurnberg defense with multiple pacy runs in behind during a 35-minute cameo. He came close to scoring a late winner when he dribbled around the keeper only to shoot into the side netting.

Elsewhere on the pitch, William Saliba completed 45 minutes at center-back on his first Gunners appearance since returning from the back injury that ended his 2022/23 season in March.

Arsenal's next game will be against a team of MLS All-Stars in Washington on Wednesday night.

Arsenal drew 1-1 with Nurnberg in Germany on Thursday night

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