Kai Havertz made it four after the break and the only dampener on a perfect night was Adam Hlozek pulling one back in Leverkusen.
The Standard Sport’s Simon Collings was at the Emirates Stadium and here are five things he learned…
Havertz attracted attention in midfield
Havertz spent the second half of last season excelling as Arsenal’s No9, but his days as a midfielder do not seem to be over.
The German started there against Leverkusen and put in an excellent performance as a left back number 8.
Havertz set up both of Arsenal’s opening goals. For the first time, he lands a left before picking Zinchenko off with a backhand.
Arsenal’s second goal came after a quick run from Havertz in the box allowed Trossard to score.
It was an encouraging display for Arsenal, not least because Mikel Arteta wants his team to be unpredictable for their opponents.
Havertz flicking between playing up front or in midfield would have helped and, when moved to play as No9 after the break, the German got on the scoresheet himself.
Jesus enjoyed the benefits of summer vacation
Last season was tough for Jesus. The striker was forced to undergo knee surgery on the eve of the campaign and, in truth, he never did after that.
There have been flashes of brilliance – such as his performance at Sevilla in the Champions League in October – but injuries have blighted the season.
However, this year, expectations will be different for the Brazilian player after the summer.
Jesus was left out of Brazil’s squad for the Copa America and he used the snub to get fit ahead of pre-season.
The striker looked sharp for Arsenal and this was the case again against Leverkusen. Jesus touched the German team’s defense relentlessly and scored a great goal before coming off at half-time.
The complete Jesus will be a huge boost for Arsenal this season.
Trossard is ready to maintain the position of the left wing
Trossard finished last season on a high note – and it looks like the Belgian has stopped.
Trossard scored four goals in his last six games last season, playing a key role in Arsenal’s title run and cementing his place in the team.
The winger has moved ahead of Gabriel Martinelli in the pecking order, and the Brazilian now looks to be fighting.
Trossard looked sharp against Leverkusen. He produced a clever dummy for Zinchenko’s opener and then scored Arsenal’s second goal by showing composure in the box.
The 29-year-old will relish the possibility of starting Arsenal’s opening game of the season against Wolves next week.
Zinchenko is ready to fight for the position
Arsenal fans are hoping to see new signing Riccardo Calafiori in this match against Leverkusen.
The defender, who joined the Gunners from Bologna for £42million, is not in the squad, as he continues to progress.
Calafiori only joined Arsenal for the last few days of their tour to the USA and did not play in the last game against Liverpool.
While not here, Zinchenko stepped up to the plate and showed why he won’t give up his lefty position without a fight.
The Ukrainian put in a classic performance, repeatedly turning the ball around in midfield to help Arsenal dominate possession.
Zinchenko capped a fine display by opening the scoring with a fine finish from the corner of the box.
Vieira looks ready for a wing role
Fabio Vieira has had a difficult first two seasons at Arsenal since joining from Porto for £34m.
The midfielder has shown flashes of brilliance, but he has never lived up to his billing.
So far, Vieira has mainly been used in midfield by Arteta – playing as one of two No8s.
It now appears that the Portuguese will be used widely as he looks to turn his time at Arsenal around.
Vieira has been used there repeatedly during Arsenal’s tour to the United States and he started immediately against Leverkusen.
The 24-year-old had his moments to shine, with solid set-pieces, but he failed to impress as much as he would have liked in a 45-minute performance.
