Barcelona failed to get the desired result in their first friendly match of the USA pre-season tour as they fell to a 3-5 defeat to Premier League giants Arsenal.

The Blaugrana started the game strongly, with Robert Lewandowski scoring in the seventh minute only for Bukayo Saka to equalise six minutes later. Raphinha made it 2-1 in Barça’s favour after the 30th-minute mark but Kai Havertz reinstated parity before half-time.

A brace from Leandro Trossard in the second period put Arsenal in firm control, but Ferran Torres pulled one back in the 88th minute. However, Fabio Vieira was at hand to score only a minute later, handing Barcelona a defeat in their first game on the US tour.

While the result was disappointing, it must be noted that it was the team’s first match of the pre-season tour, being played only a few days after players were hit with a stomach bug.

And there were positives for Xavi Hernandez to take from the match with Alejandro Balde impressing and his connection with Ansu Fati catching the eye. Ez Abde also made the most of his opportunity and impressed against Arsenal.

Speaking after the game, Barcelona manager Xavi hailed the performance of Balde, as he said: “Balde has played an extraordinary game.”

Xavi was asked about Gavi not playing a single minute on the night and the manager revealed that the young midfielder is dealing with a fitness problem, along with Clement Lenglet.

“Gavi didn’t play due to some back pain, Lenglet also has discomfort,” he said.

The manager then spoke about the opposition’s intensity during the match, saying: “The intensity that Arsenal put was not normal. Too many fouls for a friendly.

“I understand that everyone wants to win, but I told Arteta that it looked like a Champions League match. The intensity that they put was too high.”

But the manager went on to insist that he had a lot of positives to take away from the game, saying: “Regardless of the result, my conclusions from this match are positive.”

“We were weak in defence today. They’ve already played more games. This is our first one. We saw positive signs against a more prepared opponent,” he added.

Talking about the performances of new signings Ilkay Gundogan and Oriol Romeu, Xavi said: “They are adjusting. Gündogan had a good game, Oriol had a good game. I think everyone has been at a similar level. Fermín has been good.”

Outlining the difference between the two teams on the night, Xavi said: “Arsenal deserved the win. Speed and fitness were the main difference. With the ball we were good, but we were bad in defence.”

On Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who spent time with Xavi at Barcelona as a player, the 43-year-old said: “Arteta and I have had a similar career. We were both kids at Barça, and we played together. I wish him all the best and I respect him very much.”