Nigerian duo Nathan Tella and Victor Boniface both featured in Wednesday’s preseason friendly between Bayer Leverkusen and Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
The Bundesliga Champions who continue their preparation ahead of a title defence were flattened early in the game.
Inspired by German International Kai Havertz, Arsenal raced to a 3-0 lead inside the thirty-eight minutes courtesy of goals from Oleksandr Zinchenko (8′), Leandro Trossard (9′), Gabriel Jesus (38′).
Havertz provided two assists (Zinchenko and Trossard), and eventually got a goal for himself to make it four in the 65th minute.
Meanwhile, Nathan Tella and Victor Boniface were introduced in the second half of the game, the former just after the break and he had a hand in Leverkusen’s solitary goal.
Boniface was brought on just after the hour mark, but it was Tella’s introduction that imparted Leverkusen’s night as he set up Adam Hlozek for the consolation for Xabi Alonso’s side.
Next for Die Werkself in preseason, they face Real Betis on August 10, at the Bay Arena.
Arteta gave Nwaneri minutes
Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta made several changes in the second half, among them the introduction of 17 year-old Ethan Nwaneri.
The Attacking midfielder was handed 27 minutes, thirteen more than he played in his two Premier League appearances for the Gunners last season.
