Arsenal’s pre-season campaign has been a mixed one, with the fans in the Transfer Tavern rarely watching a consistent side…

Indeed, the Gunners began the campaign a solid win in Australia, whilst they found their trip to Asia markedly more difficult. A particular low-light was a 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Chelsea, with the Blues coming out worthy winners on the day.

For the fans in the Transfer Tavern, this is particularly worrying given that the two sides will meet this weekend in the Community Shield. With the Gunners keen to avenge a poor campaign last term, a strong start to the 2017/18 season is very important, and another heavy loss to the Blues could harm their aspirations going forward.

However, the pre-season wasn’t all doom and gloom. In fact, there were a number of highlights to the campaign that should give the fans reason for optimism – with a number of players looking very good instead.

With that said, these 2 Arsenal players have seriously proven their worth during pre-season…

 Sead Kolasinac

Though he had a slow start to the campaign, Sead Kolasinac impressed as the summer went on.

He looked comfortable on the left-hand side, and whilst his arrival was overshadowed somewhat by the arrival of Alexandre Lacazette, there is no doubting that the defender will make a big impact as the season goes on.

The Bosnian certainly had a point to prove to displace Nacho Monreal, but he has made a good start to life in red.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s future is uncertain, given that his contract expires next summer, but you can’t fault the Englishman for a lack of trying.

He played in a number of positions throughout the summer, and in each of them he looked good.

Particularly as a wing-back, the Ox looked very solid, displaying an excellent balance of attack and defence.

If he does stay this summer, he will certainly give Hector Bellerin a run for his money.