Arsenal annihilated Barnet at Underhill yesterday in the Gunners’ first pre-season friendly. Barnet took a surprise lead in the 12th minute but the Gunners regrouped and put the result beyond all doubt in as early as the 42nd minute when Reyes completed his hat-trick.
Arsenal scorers:
Reyes 19, 21, 42
van Persie 29
Bergkamp 44, 67
Jeffers 53, 55, 64
Owusu-Abeyie 70
Arsenal fans got an early glimpse of new boy Robin van Persie as he scored a beautiful goal with a cross cum shot, and a pass out of deep in defence that had class written over it.
According to many reports, Reyes was man of the match, showing subtle touches and trickery, plus a ruthless eye for goal. Dutch Master Dennis Bergkamp showed why Wenger is so keen to hold on to him with a smooth finish in the first half and scoring from a free-kick in the second half.
Francis Jeffers also managed to bag a hat-trick, and Jermaine Pennant also impressed with an assist for Reyes.