THERE were plenty of positives despite the final score last night (Thursday) as Arsenal continued their pre-season preparations with a 1-1 draw against FC Nurnberg.

On the plus side, Bukayo Saka continued where he left off last season by banging in the opening goal, while supporters also got their first glimpse of Kai Havertz playing in a Gunners shirt following his £65million switch from Chelsea.

But the evening wasn’t without its frustrations as a defensive error gifted Nurnberg a draw at the Max-Morlock-Stadion.

Mikel Arteta, however, remained upbeat after the final whistle. “The way we played in the first half was really good, especially as a few of the boys have only had three training sessions,” said the Arsenal boss.

“I’ve seen some really good things despite the amount of changes we made, [the changes] is why the game declined, especially in quality and in control – but we knew that was going to happen.”

Arsenal made the ideal start when they took the lead with just seven minutes on the clock. Saka looked sharp, and quickly stamped his authority on the game when he picked the ball up on the right before cutting inside and powering a trademark finish into the far corner.

The England winger almost added a second midway through the first-half with a rasping effort from the edge of the penalty area but Nurnberg goalkeeper Christian Mathenia got down well to make a smart save.

As expected Arteta rang the changes in the second period. It was the introduction of Havertz that sparked the biggest cheers as he came on to make his debut on the right side of a three-man midfield.

Arsenal fans were also teased with a glimpse of Folarin Balogun, who is being tipped to leave the Emirates this summer.

Having enjoyed a sensational loan spell with French club Reims last season – netting 21 goals in 37 games – it’s said that the sought-after striker is now searching for reassurances over his game time.

But the 22-year-old was handed a harsh reminder that a place in the first-team is hard to earn, and even harder to hold on to, as he missed two good chances.

Within minutes of coming on Balogun shot from an acute angle only for his effort to rebound back off the post.

It would prove costly as seconds later the home side were level. Arsenal keeper Karl Hein played a sloppy pass to Jorginho, who inadvertently diverted the ball back into his own net under pressure from Kanji Okunuki.

In the dying seconds Balogun had a chance to become the hero, but instead, with the goal at his mercy, the USA international could only find the side netting.