Arsenal youngster Chuka Akpom scores three times as the Gunners open their summer schedule in style. Everton and Stoke grind out a goalless draw, Watford’s Odion Ighalo continues his fine pre-season form, whilst West Brom ship three goals for the second successive friendly.
Singapore Select XI 0 Arsenal 4
Chuba Akpom stole the headlines in Arsenal’s first head-to-head of the Barclays Asia Trophy, bagging a hat-trick comprised of a close-range finish, a penalty and a commanding header. Jack Wilshere also converted from a spot-kick after Mathieu Debuchy was felled in the 18-yard box.
Arsene Wenger named a mixture of regulars and second-string options in his starting XI, fielding Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (right wing), Alex Iwobi (left wing) and Wilshere (number ten) as the three behind Akpom in a 4-2-3-1 set-up. Francis Coquelin and Mathieu Flamini occupied the double pivot, while Debuchy, Per Mertesaker, Gabriel Paulista and Nacho Monreal manned the defence. Emiliano Martinez earned a rare start between the sticks.
When asked to evaluate Akpom’s role in the upcoming season, Wenger was understandably cautious:
“That’s up to him. How much? I don’t know but I just believe that it’s an encouragement to do well and to work even harder. He’s a young player and it can lift his confidence. The confidence in the dressing room that you sense from the other players is important as well and that can help him. Let’s not forget it’s a friendly. He’s a good talent but he has to work and show that in [the big] games.”
Stoke 0 Everton 0 (Everton win 5-4 on pens)
The Toffees converted all five of their spot-kicks following a goalless 90 minutes against Mark Hughes’ men to book a match-up against Arsenal in the final of the Barclays Asia Trophy. Romelu Lukaku spearheaded Everton’s attack, with Steven Pienaar, Ross Barkley and Kevin Mirallas supporting the Belgian in a 4-2-3-1. Gareth Barry and James McCarthy patrolled the centre of the park, while Brendan Galloway partnered Phil Jagielka in central defence. Roberto Martinez rang the changes at the break, bringing in Leon Osman, Tom Cleverley, John Stones, Gerard Deulofeu and Steven Naismith.
In the Potters’ camp, Mark Hughes chose to name nine of his 10 players who’d returned from international duty on the bench, with Marko Arnautovic the only recruit deemed fit enough to start – the Austrian midfielder proved a menace in the first half operating behind lone striker Joselu. Hughes handed minutes to the likes of Peter Crouch, Marc Wilson and Marco van Ginkel after the break, yet allowed new debutant goalkeeper Jakob Haugaard to play the full 90 minutes.
The Stoke manager was hugely impressed with the Dane’s performance, lauding his dominating presence and keen understanding of the game:
“It was a good opportunity for Jakob to play with the guys and it was a great stage for him to make his first appearance for the Club. The game was played in a fantastic stadium and it will be good for his experience as a young player. He made two or three really good saves for us, showed great presence, good ability and a good reading of the game for such a young ‘keeper. We’re really pleased with what he’s produced tonight
Borussia Monchengladbach 1 Swansea City 1
Swans boss Garry Monk opted for a 4-1-4-1 formation in their opening pre-season fixture, with Jay Fulton assuming the holding role, Ki Sung-yeung and Gylfi Sigurdsson in central midfield, Andre Ayew on the left flank and Nathan Dyer on the right. Up top, Bafetimbi Gomis fronted the attack, while in defence, new left-back Franck Tabanou was afforded a starting berth.
Monk benched the entire starting XI after the hour mark, handing debuts to shot-stopper Kristoffer Nordfeldt and forward Eder. Jack Cork, Jonjo Shelvey and Matt Grimes took to the midfield, with the latter delivering a birthday goal from the edge of the area to secure a draw for Welsh outfit. Eder came close in the dying stages, but the Bundesliga opposition held steadfast.
After the match, Monk admitted it’s all about building up match fitness right now:
“The new players have integrated well within the group, so there were plenty of good things to come from this game. We planned it so that we would play a team for 60 minutes and another 11 for 30. Then we will flip that for the next game against 1860 Munich on Saturday. It allows everyone to get plenty of minutes under their belts. It helps their physical element, which is very important.’’
SC Verl 1 Watford 4
A brace against the fourth-tier German opposition made it five goals in three fixtures for the 5.0-priced Odion Ighalo. The Nigerian striker bagged 20 league goals last term and comes in at 0.5 cheaper than fellow forward Troy Deeney, though it’s worth noting he’s playing out wide for the promoted side. Ikechi Anya netted a volley to extend the Hornets’ lead to 3-0 by the half-time whistle, before substitute wide man Lloyd Dyer scored the fourth with an eye-catching lob following a run from his own half.
Quique Sanchez Flores fielded his troops in a 4-2-3-1 formation from the start, with Sebastian Prodl and Craig Cathcart pairing up in central defence. Almen Abdi operated in “the hole” behind frontman Troy Deeney, while Ighalo and Anya provided the width. Etienne Capoue and Ben Watson filled the defensive midfield berths. Flores made a host of changes over the second period, with new boy Jose Holebas one of three players introduced for the start of the second period. Both Connor Smith and Fernando Forestieri sat out this fixture after suffering minor knocks in training.
Orlando City 3 West Bromwich Albion 1
Callum McManaman’s first goal in an Albion strip proved to be nothing more than a consolation as Orlando – inspired by former Ballon D’Or winner Kaka – fought back to record a comfortable victory. Baggies boss, Tony Pulis, started Brown Ideye up front, with James McClean and McManaman offering the width on either flank. James Morrison operated behind Ideye, with Claudio Yacob and Darren Fletcher sitting further back. Chris Brunt was tasked with playing at left-back, fuelling fears that we’ll be starved of a West Brom defensive option next term. Pulis was unwilling to risk Saido Berahino on the artificial turf after the English marksman picked up a knee injury on international duty with the U21s.
Finally, a reminder that we’re collating all the pre-season action via a dedicated section here as the action unfolds.
