Gabriel Jesus and Emile Smith Rowe on target as Arsenal beat Leyton Orient in behind-closed-doors friendly

Arsenal eased to victory over Leyton Orient in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Saturday, as Gabriel Jesus and Emile Smith Rowe scored the goals in a 2-0 win.

The Gunners begin their pre-season schedule in the USA next week, flying out to face Bournemouth, Manchester United and Liverpool, but Mikel Arteta ’s side first took on League One side Leyton Orient at their Sobha Realty Training Centre.

A number of first-team stars started for Arsenal, with Ben White and Jurrien Timber in defence, Martin Odegaard starting in midfield and Gabriel Jesus lining up alongside Eddie Nketiah.

The strikers combined for Arsenal’s opening goal, as Nketiah squared for Jesus to finish, before Emile Smith Rowe came on at half-time and got his name on the scoresheet within a few minutes, after good work from Jesus.

Smith Rowe’s future at north London remains in doubt, with Crystal Palace and Fulham among the clubs interested in signing him this summer.

There was a start for 17-year-old Ayden Heaven, while Myles Lewis-Skelly featured at left-back for the Gunners.

Arteta and his squad now travel to the USA for three friendly matches, and will then be back in the UK to face Bayer Leverkusen and Lyon.

Those involved at the Euros or Copa America have not yet returned for the start of pre-season, with the likes of Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice given time off after their international efforts.

Arsenal XI against Leyton Orient: Hein (Nygaard 70), White (Rosiak 60), Timber (Rekik 46), Heaven (Monlouis 60), Lewis-Skelly (Nichols 60), Partey (Patino 46), Odegaard (Gower 60), Nelson (Nwaneri 60), Vieira (Smith Rowe 46), Jesus (Salah Oulad-M'hand 60), Nketiah (Sagoe Jr 60).

Subs not used: Rojas-Fedorushchenko, Kacurri, Ismail Oulad-M'hand)

Transfer news LIVE! Man Utd in Obi-Martin talks; Neto wants Arsenal

Arsenal learn update on Calafiori talks as Bologna transfer chief goes public

Fulham identify Palhinha replacement as fresh bid expected for Arsenal star