Arsenal were held to a 2-2 draw by Barnet in Saturday's traditional pre-season friendly at Underhill.

Barnet looked to capitalise on some lacklustre pre-season defending by Arsenal in the early stages but were carved open themselves in the 44th minute when Sanchez Watt picked out Andrey Arshavin with a pinpoint cross that the Russian buried.

The lead lasted only a minute, however, as Ismail Yakubu met Danny Hart's free-kick with an athletic glancing header that evaded Manuel Almunia on its way into the top right corner.

Individual brilliance by Dutchman Nacer Barazite restored Arsenal's lead shortly into the second half as he weaved his way to the edge of the area where he chipped the ball home.

However, the Gunners cracked with eight minutes to go, Elliott Charles capitalising on the ongoing confusion to stab home from close range to earn Barnet a deserved draw.

Manchester City kept their high-profile signings out of sight as they slumped to a 2-0 defeat against Orlando Pirates.

Carlos Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz were not even named on the bench for the match at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa.

And Gareth Barry, although named as a substitute, did not make an appearance.

Aston Villa ran out comfortable 3-0 winners in their first pre-season friendly at Peterborough.

Austrian forward Andreas Weimann opened the scoring for Martin O'Neill's side with a neat header midway through the first half from Marc Albrighton's cross.

Curtis Davies provided the highlight of the match with the second goal eight minutes after the interval, the defender coolly slotting past James McKeown following a slick one-two with Marlon Harewood.

Midfielder Steve Sidwell blasted home to complete the scoring 19 minutes from time at London Road.

Loan signing Jo struck a brace as Everton continued their pre-season campaign with a thumping 4-1 triumph at Rochdale.

Youngster Shane Duffy tapped home the opener after seven minutes and the visitors' advantage was doubled midway through the first half courtesy of a Craig Dawson own goal.

Chris Dagnall pulled one back for the hosts from the penalty spot just before the half-hour mark but then Jo got in on the act with two goals to seal Everton's victory.

Trialist Jerome Thomas made a positive impression on his first start for Hull with a goal in a 6-0 victory over North Ferriby United at Church Road.

Thomas, who made just five appearances last season for Portsmouth, scored the only goal of the first half in the 34th minute while Craig Fagan also hit a post.

But goals after the break from from Jamie Devitt, Nicky Featherstone, Nick Barmby and a brace from Caleb Folan ensured a comfortable start to the Tigers' pre-season preparations.

Colin Nish netted a double to hand new Hibernian boss John Hughes a pre-season victory over Dunfermline.

Hibs ran out comfortable 4-0 winners with Derek Riordan and Jonatan Johansson also on the scoresheet against the Irn-Bru First Division side.

Crisis club Newcastle routed League Two Darlington 7-2 as they put their off-the-field problems to one side.

Goals from Damien Duff, Kevin Nolan, Jonas Gutierrez, Steven Taylor, Andy Carroll and two from Shola Ameobi eased the Magpies to victory, although, worryingly, Nicky Butt departed early through injury.

Paulo Sousa enjoyed a winning start to life as Swansea boss as his new side ran out 3-1 winners against FC Twente.

Nathan Tyson helped himself to a 10-minute hat-trick as Nottingham Forest ran out 4-1 winners against Football League new-boys Burton.

Reading's pre-season preparations took a dent when they fell to a 2-1 friendly defeat at non-league Kettering.

Chesterfield came from behind to regain the Derbyshire FA Centenary Cup with a 2-1 victory over county rivals Derby at Saltergate.

Jon Parkin scored twice as Preston maintained their 100 per cent pre-season record with a 2-1 win at Tranmere.

David Clarkson earned Bristol City a 1-1 draw in their pre-season friendly at League Two side Cheltenham.

Lewis Guy and Robbie Clark were on target as Doncaster's pre-season preparations continued with a 2-0 win at Barrow.

Leon Best and Freddy Eastwood were on target as Coventry claimed a 2-0 friendly win at non-league Hinckley United.

Late goals by Julio Arca, Marvin Emnes and Jonathan Franks lifted Middlesbrough to a 3-0 win at Macclesfield.

A youthful West Ham XI drew 1-1 at Cambridge United, Ahmed Abdulla with the strike for the Premier League outfit, while a young Watford side drew 1-1 at Hampton & Richmond.

Leeds won 3-1 against Glentoran thanks to goals from Robert Snodgrass, Jermaine Beckford and Enoch Showunmi while Southampton lost 4-1 at home to Dutch side Ajax.

Finally, West Brom's Balkan tour concluded with a 2-2 draw against Varteks, Craig Beattie hitting a brace for the Championship side.