Arsenal boss Unai Emery fielded a team with a mix of youth and experience in the first half.
And the Gunners fell behind when Farid El Melali got in behind Zech Medley, went around Emiliano Martinez and scored in the 13th minute.
In the second half, the Premier League levelled the match when Reiss Nelson tapped in a rebound.
And in the penalty shoot-out, Henrikh Mkhitaryan blazed his penalty over the bar but former Arsenal player Jeff Reine-Adelaide had his penalty saved by Emiliano Martinez to hand Emery’s men victory.
ARSENAL PLAYER RATINGS VS ANGERS
Emiliano Martinez – 6
Had no chance with Angers’ goal. Didn’t put a foot wrong thereafter. Made the crucial penalty save in the shoot-out.
Calum Chambers – 6
The England defender played at right back and got forward as much as he could. Defended competently.
Shkodran Mustafi – 5
After shaky display by the German, who’s future remains in serious doubt. Didn’t help his young team-mate Medley to settle into the game. Improved in the second half but still far too prone to diving into tackles
Zech Medley – 4
A tough 45 minutes for the young centre back. Sloppy in possession, nervous on the ball and his inexperience was evident as the Angers forwards buzzed around him.
Nacho Monreal – 4
The Spaniard was the captain in the first half. Didn’t get forward as often as he usually does. And was caught out of position on a few occasions. The arrival of Kieran Tierney can’t come soon enough.
Matteo Guendouzi – 5
Guendouzi has been in training for just a week but was very sluggish at times. Slow on the ball and failed to control the middle of the park.
Robbie Burton – 5
The young Welshman was tidy on the ball without looking too threatening. He can be happy with his appearances in pre-season.
Gabriel Martinelli – 6
The Brazilian was a lively presence on the right side of the attack. Showed good energy to get forward and was sharp defensively.
Tyreece John-Jules – 5
The teenager struggled to get into the game in the first half as Arsenal failed to dominate the ball.
Reiss Nelson – 7
Arsenal’s best player on the night. An eye-catching display from the England U21 star was capped with a well-taken goal.
Eddie Nketiah – 5
Always eager and willing but was short on service throughout.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 6
Came on at the start of the second half for Chambers. Seems likely to start the season as Arsenal’s right back until Hector Bellerin is fit again and his athleticism was once again on show as he got himself out of trouble.
Sokratis – 6
Came on at the start of the second half for Medley. After Medley’s struggles, Arsenal’s defence was much better with the Greek on the pitch.
Dominic Thompson – 6
Came on at the start of the second half for Monreal. Made a couple of strong tackles on the run and looked to get forward as often as possible.
Granit Xhaka – 6
Came on at the start of the second half for Burton. Brought calm and order to the midfield, allowing Arsenal to take control.
Joe Willock – 6
Came on at the start of the second half for John-Jules. Arsenal’s best player in pre-season showed his qualities again. His dynamism will be a major asset to Emery.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 5
Came on in the 62nd minute for Guendouzi. A quiet cameo from the Armenian.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 5
Came on in the 62nd minute for Nketiah. Missed a golden opportunity to win the game for Arsenal when he put a rebound over the bar. Also diverted a Xhaka free kick wide of the post when he should have done better.