A young Arsenal side ran out comfortable winners on Saturday, beating Boreham Wood 2-0 with goals from substitutes Kristoffer Olson and Benik Afobe.

Arsene Wenger handed starts to many of the Gunners who didn’t travel to Brazil for the World Cup, with Yaya Sanogo, Nacho Monreal, Carl Jenkinson, Wojchiech Szczesny and Ramsey all looking sharp.

Boreham Wood held their own for the first 45 minutes, with the Premier League side being reduced to long-range efforts and when they did find a way through, Wood’s goalkeeper James Russell was in splendid form to keep any efforts out.

Abou Diaby returned from injury in the second half as Wenger also introduced Kieran Gibbs, Tomas Rosicky and Mathieu Flamini.

The home side continued to hold on until the 68th minute, when Rosicky picked out Olson who managed to flick the ball past Russel to give the FA Cup winners the lead.

The second goal came via the penalty spot.

Another substitute Chuba Akpom produced a sublime piece of skill out on the left to beat two defenders and his cross found Afobe, who was bundled to the ground.

The referee pointed to the spot and Afobe dusted himself down to double the lead with five minutes remaining.

Wenger confirmed after the game that Theo Walcott will return to training once the season has started.

“We expect him to be back in full training at the end of August,” said Wenger.