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Wenger - I see the potential in Gnabry

Arsene Wenger is using the Emirates Cup to show his younger players what they need to make it to the top.

Serge Gnabry was handed his first senior start at Emirates Stadium on Saturday as Arsenal came from behind to draw 2-2 with Napoli - and the German teenager provided a spark from the right flank, going close on two occasions in the first half.

Gnabry almost converted an audacious chip when Pepe Reina's clearance fell to him 35 yards from goal and Wenger is glad he got another taste of first-team action.

"What I see is the potential," the manager told Arsenal Player.

"I don't have many opportunities to make these players realise what is needed at the top level. I can only use the pre-season games in that and that is where they can see 'oh, what a shock that is, the level I have to get to' and to get used to that pace.

"That's why I try to use these kind of games. You want of course to prepare well, not lose the games, and of course give experience to young players. Sometimes that is very difficult."

Wenger was satisfied with his team's display against an impressive, well-drilled Napoli side and he believes his squad can make good use of the final two weeks before the Premier League campaign starts on August 17.

"We want to keep our fluent game going forward, be a bit more determined defensively, improve our organisation defensively and of course sharpen up in our next game and then against Manchester City," said Wenger.

"We have two games to prepare and we should be ready. Today was a good shock for us because that [kind of test] is what the Premier League is about."

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