Two first-half strikes from Youssouf Fofana and Eddie Nketiah meant that the two sides could not be separated after 90 minutes in the British sunshine, but Takumi Minamino was denied from the spot by Aaron Ramsdale as the Gunners won the friendly tournament for the seventh time.
Browsing: Aaron Ramsdale
The clash at the Emirates Stadium was always going to have repercussions at both ends of the table and the result leaves the Gunners on the cusp of a top-four finish.
The Gunners ensured they did not lose any ground in the battle for a Champions League spot in a match full of high-quality finishing at Vicarage Road.
After a goalless first leg at Anfield last week, Jota’s first-half daisy-cutter caught Aaron Ramsdale flat-footed.
A resurgent Arsenal side had the chance to climb above Liverpool in the standings with a win, but Juergen Klopp’s side gave the visitors a reminder that there is still a big gulf in class between the teams.
Gareth Southgate shuffled the pack considerably – handing first starts to Arsenal duo Aaron Ramsdale and Emile Smith Rowe – and the youthful Three Lions were in a merciless mood.
The Gunners, now unbeaten in 10 games across all competitions, had been by far the better team in the first half without reward. Bukayo Saka had an early strike overturned by VAR for offside and, after Danny Rose’s blatant foul on Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s penalty was superbly stopped by the impressive Ben Foster 10 minutes before the break.
Goals from Brazilian defender Gabriel and then a well-taken second from Emile Smith Rowe ensured the Gunners continued their fine form under Mikel Arteta.
The 23-year-old, who was part of England’s Euro 2020 squad, has represented England at all levels from Under-18 to Under-21 and was Sheffield United’s player of the year last season.
The 22-year-old will reportedly cost the Gunners an initial £30 million ($41 million) with Arsenal also expected to splash £30 million on England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United in the coming days.
Christian Pulisic spurned two big chances to put the much-changed Blues out of sight, teeing up some tense closing exchanges as the Blades awoke from an hour’s submission to start to threaten.
Fine work from Ferran Torres to work his way through two United players inside the area before cutting back for the striker to tap home after just nine minutes.
Eze, a £20 million signing from QPR, scored a goal of the season contender when carrying the ball almost the full length of the pitch before beating Blades keeper Aaron Ramsdale.