Preseasons can be tough to gauge. Results and scores are not exactly the best barometer for a successful summer. Managers are trying to advance their first team fitness levels leading into the new season, while also giving some of the young players time on the pitch to try and prove themselves.

Arsenal are back from their yearly trip abroad and are now gearing up for a Community Shield match against Chelsea at the weekend. But before the match at Wembley, let’s take a look back at the north London club’s six preseason matches this summer.

Results

Sydney FC 0 – 2 Arsenal
Western Sydney Wanderers 1 – 3 Arsenal
Bayern Munich 1 – 1 Arsenal (Arsenal win 3-2 on penalties. Won Audi Football Summit).
Arsenal 0 – 3 Chelsea
Arsenal 5 – 2 Benfica
Arsenal 1 – 2 Sevilla (Won Emirates Cup).

Standout Performers

Much like Jeff Reine-Adelaide two years ago, the highly-rated Reiss Nelson has received a ton of buzz this summer for his play on the pitch. While previously playing as a winger/attacking midfielder, the versatile Nelson was mostly deployed as a wing back during the preseason. Manager Arsene Wenger recently recapped the 17-year-old midfielder’s game, and why he chose to give him time at a more defensive position. “[Nelson’s] a more offensive player, more a guy who can play as one of the three strikers or as an offensive midfielder,” Wenger proclaimed.

“What is good for his education is to play in this position (wing-back) as well because we learn how to cope with defensive responsibilities, and that’s a good part of the education of the modern player. As strikers or creative players, you tend to have two kinds of players. Some who are good at running with the ball, and some who are good at running off the ball. He’s more a player who likes the ball to his feet and provokes opponents by passing them.”

New signing Sead Kolasinac has also shown his abilities early on in his Arsenal career as well. The former Schalke defender was signed on a free from the German club and potentially looks like an outstanding piece of business from Wenger. The Bosnian is seemingly very much a complete wing back, as he can advance with the ball well, and also be a rock in defense. Alex Iwobi, Mesut Ozil, Petr Cech, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Mohamed Elneny (mostly at center back!) also performed well during the preseason.

Injuries

Although a chunk of the team suffered from food poisoning early on in the preseason, the only significant injury that happened while the Gunners were warming up for the new campaign was to Francis Coquelin. The defensive midfielder has an ankle ligament issue, and was given a scan on Monday. However, Wenger does not appear too concerned about the injury.

SEE MORE: Schedule of Arsenal games on US TV and streaming

Defender Laurent Koscielny and forward Theo Walcott endured very minor injuries during Arsenal’s trip abroad, but both veteran players were able to shake off their respective niggles. Star striker Alexandre Lacazette appeared to limp off of the pitch following the club’s final preseason match against Sevilla, yet Wenger claimed that the Frenchman does not have any injuries concerns.

Grade

A-. As previously stated, wins and losses are practically insignificant in preseason. The most important part of gearing up for a new season is to gain fitness and try to keep injuries to a minimum. Arsenal’s trips to Australia and China were important due to training in hot/humid conditions. This surely helped the players gain that important fitness and also aided in getting their bodies ready for the strenuous season.

Wenger’s players also kept the injuries down. With Coquelin the only new player in the doctor’s room, the Gunners were able to avoid any serious concerns on that front. Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere, and Gabriel Paulista are currently still on the sidelines, but there was relatively good news regarding the trio. Cazorla is finally progressing well, Wilshere should be returning to training soon, and Gabriel is just a couple weeks away from his return.