Arsenal kick off pre-season with victory as Diaby makes rare appearance for Gunners

                                                ARSENAL 2-0 BOREHAM WOOD: Abou Diaby completed 45 minutes for Arsenal as they kicked off their pre-season with a 2-0 win over Conference South Boreham Wood.
                                                   

New look: A sleek-style Aaron Ramsey takes the ball

                                                                                                                              Arsenal: Szczesny (Martinez 46'), Jenkinson (Gibbs 46'), Ajayi (Afobe 46'), Hayden (Rosicky 46'), Monreal (Miquel 46'), Ramsey (Olsson 46'), Coquelin (Pleguezuelo 46'), Zelalem (Diaby 46'), Willock (Akpom 46'), Toral (Bellerin 46'), Sanogo (Flamini 46')
Goals: Olsson 68' Afobe 86'

Boreham Wood: Russell, Nunn, Morgan, Garrard, Hill (Mawer 81'), Reynolds, Whichelow, Thomas (Donnelly 81'), Angol (Sterling-Parker 84'), Shakes (Cox 59'), Montgomery (Noto 65')
Subs (not used): Hope, Courtnage, Cox, Day,

And he almost marked his return with a goal in the 57th minute but his fierce 25-yard drive was tipped over by James Russell, in goal for the hosts, managed by former Arsenal winger Ian Allinson.
But Russell could do nothing to prevent Swedish teen Kristoffer Olsson from opening the scoring in the 68th minute when he latched onto a sublime Tomas Rosicky through-ball before lifting a delicate finish over the onrushing keeper.
And young striker Benik Afobe made it 2-0 after he won and scored a penalty four minutes from time.
Olsson and Afobe, along with Diaby, were three of 11 changes made at half time by Arsene Wenger, who played a strong team in each 45 made up of the club's promising youngsters and the senior players not involved at the World Cup.

Let me take a selife: Arsene Wenger poses with a fan ahead of Arsenal's friendly against Boreham Wood

Fan favourite: Arsene Wenger signing autographs for fans upon arrival

Back in action: Abou Diaby got a 45-minute run on his return from injury

Battle: Jon Toral of Arsenal fights for the ball with Boreham Wood's Greg Morgan during the first half

Skipper: The Welshman was captaining his side on the afternoon

On the ball: Nacho Monreal surges forward

Wrestle: Boreham Wood's Matthew Whichelow and Arsenal's Chuba Akpom go for the ball

 

 

Aaron Ramsey starred in midfield during the first half and almost broke the deadlock in the 31st minute but his low drive flashed a yard wide.
Yaya Sanogo, who also played in the first half, looked lively up front but found Russell in inspired form when he was sent clear twice before the interval.
So it was left to Olsson, Afobe – and the rest of the second-half side – to ensure Arsenal started the pre-season activity with a victory.
Arsene Wenger and his squad head to New York on Wednesday, where they will face New York Red Bull, fronted by former favourite Thierry Henry, before a brief training camp in Austria at the end of the month.

Pointers: Mathieu Flamini gives out some on-pitch instructions

Control: Arsenal's Yaya Sanogo leading the line

Netted: Kristoffer Olsson scored the opener