Afternoon all! Sports Mole's 2015-16 pre-season coverage continues from North London as Arsenal face Lyon in the Emirates Cup. The Gunners have a 100% record in their two pre-season matches thus far, but Lyon have won just one of their three pre-season fixtures – a 2-1 success over Italian outfit AC Milan last weekend. Wolfsburg and Villarreal are just about to finish their group match at the Emirates...

First and foremost, let me bring you up-to-speed with the team news from London.

TEAMS:

ARS: Martinez; Debuchy, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Gibbs; Coquelin, Ramsey; Ox, Ozil, Iwobi; Giroud

LYON: Lopes; Zeffane, Rose, Umtiti, Jenssen; Gonalons, Ferri, Tolisso, Grenier; N'Jie, Lacazette

FULL-TIME: Wolfsburg 1-2 Villarreal. Villarreal have just beaten Wolfsburg 2-1 in the first match of the 2015 Emirates Cup. I suspect the stands will now start to fill up much more!

Back to the team news - Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has rung the changes for this afternoon's match at the Emirates, with Damian Martinez and Alex Iwobi both starting in what is otherwise an experienced XI. Mathieu Debuchy and Kieran Gibbs are the two full-backs, while Olivier Giroud will lead the line ahead of Theo Walcott, who starts on what is a strong Gunners bench. The players have come out for the warm-up.

As for Lyon, star striker Alexandre Lacazette, who has been strongly linked with a move away from the French runners-up this summer, leads the line. The Frenchman will be supported by 21-year-old Clinton N'Jie, while the skipper Maxime Gonalons is also in the XI. An otherwise experienced team is supplemented by young Danish defender Ulrik Jenssen, who will start on the left side of defence.

This afternoon will be the first time that these two sides have met since the 2000-01 Champions League, where a 1-0 Arsenal win in France preceded a 1-1 draw in London. Both of these teams are building up to the start of their league campaigns, but both are also in competitive action on the weekend of August 1. Lyon will face Paris-Saint Germain in the French Super Cup on the Saturday, before Arsenal face Chelsea in the Community Shield on August 2.

In terms of the set-up of this particular competition, each team will play two games over the next two days. It is the usual points system, but an additional point is also awarded for each goal scored – don't ask. Wolfsburg and Villarreal met earlier this afternoon and as mentioned, the former recorded a 2-1 win.

So, Arsenal will face Lyon here and then Wolfsburg tomorrow, while Lyon will follow up their clash with the Gunners by taking on current group leaders Villarreal tomorrow afternoon. Just how the league table will stand at the end of the competition is really anyone's guess, but we shall soon see what develops in London. Defeat in your first match really means that winning the group is almost impossible.

Arsenal will play their final two pre-season matches here, before facing Chelsea in the Community Shield next weekend. Arsene Wenger's side will then begin their Premier League campaign at home to West Ham United on August 9. You just get the feeling that this time, the Gunners really need to get off to a fast start.

It has been a successful pre-season for Arsenal, who returned to London with the Premier League Asia Trophy. Wenger's side were 4-0 winners over a Singapore Select XI in the semi-finals of the competition, before they beat Everton 3-1 in the final last weekend. Fitness will again be the name of the game this weekend as Wenger will surely use his full complement of available players. The atmosphere is building now...

As for Lyon, it has been a mixed pre-season. The French outfit lost 1-0 to Sion in their first friendly on July 11, before losing 2-0 to PSV Eindhoven on July 15. They did return to winning ways last time out, however, with a 2-1 victory over AC Milan. Like Arsenal, this weekend will be Lyon's final two pre-season games ahead of their Super Cup meeting with Paris Saint-Germain, who are currently in the United States.

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Lyon's Ligue 1 campaign begins at home to Lorient on August 9 and they will be keen to get off to a strong start if they are to challenge PSG for the title. Last season, Lyon finished second on 75 points – eight points shy of the eventual winners. It was a strong campaign, but overhauling this PSG side is going to be another tough task in the 2015-16 season. Right, the players are getting ready to join us here.

KICK OFF! It must be said that the pitch is in truly wonderful condition. I have played on this surface myself and I must say that it is a delight. We have two very good teams on display this afternoon - let's hope for a good game of football. It is the home team that get the first 45 minutes of action underway.

Arsenal last won this tournament in 2010. Incidentally, Valencia are the current holders of the competition. In truth, it is fitness and preparation that are the most important aspects this weekend. As expected, the Gunners have taken control of the possession in the early exchanges in North London.

Not too much to report of note in the opening four minutes, but Arsenal are the team in control of the football. Lyon are just sitting deep and attempting to work out just how Arsenal are approaching the game.

This very much has the feel of a pre-season game - oh wait - at the moment as both teams keep possession in the middle of the park. We have a first sight of Lacazette as Ferri attempts to release the striker, but Martinez is out to claim at the vital moment. Still no opportunities thus far this afternoon.

Lyon have just started to grow into the match in the last couple of moments, with Gonalons and Grenier enjoying possession in the middle of the park. Giroud manages to drift wide for Arsenal, but the Frenchman runs out of room and the move breaks down. Very considered and tight opening eight minutes to this game.

Iwobi has been involved for the Gunners in the last couple of moments, with the youngster combining with Ramsey in the final third. Lyon are nice and tight at the back, however, and manage to stab the ball clear.

CHANCE! Clearest chance of the match by some distance as Lacazette finds a wonderful pass into N'Jie, who fires one towards the bottom corner, but Martinez is across to make a really super save.

Half-chance for Arsenal this time as Ozil works the ball into Giroud, who powers one towards the bottom corner, but Zeffane is across to make the block and the French side manage to clear. Livening up here!

BOOKING! Rose (Lyon) is booked for a late challenge on Coquelin.

You do not see too many yellows in pre-season games, but that was a poor tackle from Rose.

Ramsey is again in the mix for Arsenal, who pass and probe outside the Lyon box, but once again the move breaks down at the final second and we are still level at 0-0. Much better game at the moment, though.

It look a little bit of time for this game to get going, but the tempo is very good at the moment as both teams continue to move the ball quickly in the middle of the park. Arsenal have another half-chance as Debuchy finds the head of Giroud, but the Frenchman's effort was always moving wide of Lopes's post.

Lyon are defending very well at the moment as Arsenal continue to struggle to find that elusive pass. Both Ozil and Ramsey attempt to split the defence, but the danger is cleared and Lyon are on the counter.

Lyon have a problem here as Grenier hits the deck and stays there...

... there was no-one around Grenier when he went down, which is always more of a worry.

SUB! The change is indeed made as Fekir enters the field in place of Grenier, who missed a lot of football last season through injury and the Frenchman is almost in tears as he leaves the field here.

CHANCE! Super chance for Arsenal as Ozil keeps himself onside before driving into the Lyon box, but the German loses his footing at the vital moment and sees his effort blocked by his own man Giroud!

Arsenal have a free kick in a dangerous area as Jenssen brings Debuchy to the ground...

... GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Lyon (Giroud)

Arsenal take the lead in the 29th minute as Giroud heads an Ozil free kick into the corner of the net. Not the most powerful header from the Frenchman, but it was very accurate. The Gunners lead in North London.

Arsenal are in again as Ozil collects a super pass from Ramsey inside the Lyon box, but the German's touch is just a little strong and Rose is across to clear the danger. The Gunners have their tails up now.

Not too much from Lyon going forward at the moment, with that goal handing a lot of confidence to the hosts. Just a reminder that we are expecting a raft of changes from both teams at the interval here.

Arsenal score their second as Ramsey does brilliantly in the middle of the park to find Giroud, who in turn slides in Oxlade-Chamberlain and the Englishman fires his effort into the bottom corner.

Make that 3-0 Arsenal - what on earth has just happened! The Gunners have their third of the match as Ramsey picks a pass into Iwobi, who finishes first-time into the top corner. Terrible defending there!

BOOKING! Jenssen (Lyon) is booked for pulling Oxlade-Chamberlain to the ground.

GOAL DISALLOWED! Iwobi smashes one into the top corner after more good work from Giroud, but the offside flag was raised. Lyon are really struggling to contain the Gunners at the moment here.

Arsenal have their fourth of the match and indeed fourth in quick succession as Gibbs delivers a low pass into Ramsey, who simply finishes into the bottom corner. Incredibly clinical from the hosts here.

Well, obviously credit to Arsenal, but Lyon are falling apart here. The French outfit are playing a midfield diamond and are getting destroyed in wide areas. Terrible from the Ligue 1 runners-up.

Lyon have just managed to stem the flow in the last couple of minutes with a period of possession, but they are really struggling to make their mark in the final third. It is understood that the French outfit will make a number of changes at the break and that is not a bad idea - they look so tired at the moment!

SAVES! Better from Lyon as Fekir drives towards the Arsenal box before finding Lacazette, but the Frenchman's effort is saved by Martinez, before the Gunners stopper denies N'Jie from a wide angle.

BOOKING! Coquelin (Arsenal) is booked for pulling the shirt of Fekir.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Arsenal leading 4-0 against Lyon. It was actually a tight game for long spells, but the Gunners hit four goals in less than 10 minutes. Giroud opened the scoring, before Oxlade-Chamberlain, Iwobi and Ramsey added gloss to the scoreline.

BENCH WATCH! Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will surely utilise his squad in the second period and the Frenchman has plenty of options in the shape of Bellerin, Arteta, Chambers, Akpom, Cazorla and Walcott. Lyon boss Fournier, meanwhile, has the likes of Mocio, Beauvue, Mvuemba and Labidi in reserve this afternoon.

Just a reminder that both of these teams will also be in action tomorrow. Arsenal will face Wolfsburg, while Lyon will take on Villarreal. Earlier this afternoon, Villarreal opened the 2015 Emirates Cup with an impressive 2-1 win over Wolfsburg. Both Arsenal and Lyon have players warming up at the moment...

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Incredibly, there have been no changes at the interval - not a single one! Brilliant. Lyon resume the action at the Emirates.

I suspect that a few choice words would have occurred in that Lyon dressing room at the interval. It just was not good enough from the Ligue 1 runners-up. Arsenal will be looking for more of the same here.

Arsenal again threaten as Oxlade-Chamberlain finds space in a wide area before delivering towards Iwobi, but Ferri is on hand to clear at the vital moment. The Gunners are so dangerous in the final third.

CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for Arsenal as Lyon centre-back Umtiti is caught up-field, which allows Oxlade-Chamberlain to burst into the penalty area. The England international cuts inside before firing towards the bottom corner, but his effort is just deflected wide of Lopes's post!

The number of defensive mistakes Lyon have made in this game is quite staggering.

Lyon might lose another player to injury here as Gonalons hits the deck and stays there.

Gonalons returns to the action, which is a surprise. The midfielder seemed to go down in such serious pain and Fournier will surely not want to take any risks in pre-season. Arsenal continue to put the pressure on.

Oxlade-Chamberlain is causing all sorts of problems in a wide area at the moment as the England international again twists and turns before finding Ozil, but Jenssen manages to make a key challenge.

Better from Lyon as the French side counter with Fekir, who manages to find N'Jie in a wide area, but the striker's effort was always moving wide of Martinez's post. End-to-end football at the Emirates here.

Lyon have just managed to gain some control of the possession in the last couple of moments, but Arsenal are such a threat each time they commit players forward. Little over 30 minutes of play remaining.

CHANCE! Arsenal come close to scoring a fifth as Gibbs delivers a super cross into Giroud, who strikes first time on the volley, but the Frenchman's effort just moved wide of the post.

I suspect that both managers are preparing to make a whole host of changes here!

Arsenal continue to threaten as a long spell of possession leads to Debuchy attempting to find the bottom corner, but Lopes is on hand to save. Ferri tries his luck down the other end, but misses the target.

Arsenal have their fifth of the afternoon as Ozil combines with Ramsey before driving one into the bottom corner. Lyon have simply been unable to deal with the home side here and the scoreline shows that.

SUBS! Arsenal make three changes as Arteta, Akpom and Cazorla replace Ozil, Ramsey and Iwobi.

Lyon have had bits and pieces in this match, but Arsenal are proving far too strong for the French side this afternoon. The Gunners hit five goals in their first game of last year's Emirates Cup, and already have five on the board here with still around 25 minutes remaining. Some performance from the capital side.

Akpom finds himself in a wide area before dancing into the Lyon box, but the striker's effort was always straight at the Lyon goalkeeper. A pass to Giroud might well have been the correct decision there!

The good old-fashioned Mexican Wave is occurring inside the stadium. Come on guys, the game isn't that bad! That is usually saved for when not much is happening on the field. Lyon could do with a lift though.

SUBS! Double Arsenal change as Walcott and Reine-Adelaide replace Oxlade-Chamberlain and Giroud.

Just a reminder that Arsenal are also in action tomorrow, against Wolfsburg. The Gunners are also going to be sitting comfortably at the top of the table in this Emirates Cup following their goal trail. In this particular competition, points are awarded for goals as well as wins, and indeed draws. Of course!

Surprisingly, Lyon have only made one change in this match and that was an enforced sub in the first period. I suspect that none of these players will play in Lyon's match against Villarreal tomorrow.

Not an awful lot happening at the moment, with both teams guilty of losing possession in the middle of the park. The home side are preparing to make another change, meanwhile, with Hayden stripped and ready.

SUB! Arsenal make another change as Hayden replaces Coquelin.

Half-chance for Lyon this time as Ferri chips a pass towards the far post, which Lacazette takes on with a first-time volley, but the Frenchman's effort was always moving wide of Martinez's goal.

As expected, the raft of Arsenal changes has harmed the tempo of this match. Lyon are keeping possession in the middle of the park and the Gunners are not too worried about pressing at this stage.

Arsenal have hit Lyon for six as Cazorla simply passes his free kick into the bottom corner!

Lyon's league season starts on the same weekend as Arsenal's, which will be a worry for the French side. They just do not look ready at this stage of pre-season. PSG are also on the horizon in the Super Cup.

POST! Akpom hits the post from a wide angle as Arsenal continue to dominate.

The match is fizzling out a touch, but Arsenal are still pressing for more goals here.

CHANCE! Cazorla slides a super pass into Walcott, but the forward's effort is smothered by Lopes!

So there we have it. Arsenal put six goals past French runners-up Lyon in their first match of the 2015 Emirates Cup. Lyon were poor on the day it must be said, but the Gunners must be credited for a strong performance in North London. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Until next time!