Centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes scored early goals for the Gunners, both coming from set-pieces. Arsenal had multiple chances to extend their lead the second half but none of the forward line were able to get on the scoresheet, although Mikel Arteta wasn't short of positives.
The Gunners boss selected a full-strength XI, with the big names on show for at least an hour. Fans also got to see some fresh faces, as new £42million signing Riccardo Calafiori was among the substitutes and made his first appearance in an Arsenal shirt since joining from Bologna last month.
Here are five talking points from the Emirates.
1. Still the set-piece kings
New season, new players, new kit, same threat. Arsenal have become the set-piece kings of the Premier League during Arteta's reign and if anyone checked the first two goalscorers here, they'd have guessed how the goals came about.
Firstly, Saliba nodded past Lyon goalkeeper Lucas Perri from a Declan Rice in-swinger, breaking the deadlock after just nine minutes. Then it was centre-back partner Gabriel's turn, as he also converted a Rice corner and made it 2-0.
Set-piece coach Nicolas Jover is the man credited with Arsenal's potency from free-kicks and corners and Wolves will be making note of the Gunners' back post to front post runs which troubled Lyon's defence.
2. Zinchenko keen to impress
There's arguably no more stacked position at Arsenal than left-back. Calafiori, Jakub Kiwior, Jurrien Timber, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Oleksandr Zinchenko have all played there under Arteta but it was the latter who got the nod on Sunday.
Zinchenko, linked with Bayern Munich earlier this summer, showed just how hot the competition is by producing a lively performance which got fans off their seats. Aside from his one defensive lapse in the first half, the Ukrainian was a constant threat going forward, driving inside on multiple occasions with his new kit number, 17 - perhaps a sign that he won't be going anywhere.
3. Arteta upping the ante
Often after a positive first half in a pre-season friendly, the contest can die off when the manager makes a few changes during the break. Not this time, though, as for the first time this summer Arteta didn't make a change at half-time and kept the same XI on for the start of the second 45 minutes.
It's a sign that the Arsenal boss wants to get more serious ahead of the Premier League starting next weekend, with his starting line-up being what many would consider the Gunners' strongest. Changes, though, were inevitable.
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4. Calafiori makes his bow
Long flowing hair, headband, left-back? Sadly for Arsenal fans it wasn't a young Paulo Maldini entering the pitch in the 64th minute but it was Calafiori, who they hope will be the Italian icon's successor.
Signed for £42million after being part of the Italy side that reached the knockout phase of Euro 2024, the 22-year-old broke through at Roma as a youngster but found his feet at Bologna last season. Helping them qualify for Champions League last season piqued Arteta's interest and the deal was done in July.
Calafiori had to be patient for the first appearance but by replacing Zinchenko he was given a warm welcome to his new home. His first involvement was to make a strong tackle before winning a foul of his own after attempting a dribble away from danger. Once Kiwior entered the fray, the two left-footers became centre-backs and saw out the clean sheet.
5. All eyes on Wolves
So, that's it for pre-season at Arsenal - who with their victory lifted the Emirates Cup again - and now the focus is finally on Saturday's Premier League opener at home to Wolves. The Gunners have earned a reputation for being strong starters in recent seasons and Arteta will feel that his squad is as strong as ever going into the new campaign with the same ambition: to win the title.
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