This archive report was first published on 28 July 2019.
On a somber day at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal's Emirates Cup pre-season friendly against Lyon turned into a thrilling match. The fans observed a moment of silence in memory of former Arsenal forward Jose Antonio Reyes, who died in a car accident on June 1.
Reyes' passing was a poignant reminder of the risks associated with high-speed driving. The incident served as a stark contrast to the high-energy match that was about to unfold.
Gunners boss Unai Emery made some strategic decisions ahead of the match, opting not to include Sead Kolasinac and Mesut Ozil in the squad due to their involvement in an attempted car-jacking during the week. The decision to leave out the duo was likely a precautionary measure to avoid any potential distractions.
Despite the absence of Kolasinac and Ozil, Arsenal dominated the opening half, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scoring the opening goal 10 minutes before halftime. Aubameyang smartly tucked home Henrikh Mkhitaryan's cross, giving the Gunners a 1-0 lead.
However, Lyon battled back in the second half, with changes taking place for much of the half. Substitute Moussa Dembele scored twice, including a goal that was initially ruled out for handball, to lead his team to a 2-1 comeback victory.
Dembele's goals were a testament to Lyon's determination and resilience. The French side's victory marked a significant upset in the pre-season friendly, with many expecting Arsenal to emerge victorious.
