Arsenal 2 MLS All-Stars 1: Didier Drogba fires against Gunners yet again but Chuba Akpom pounces to net late winner for Arsene Wenger’s men
Old foe nets SIXTEENTH goal in sixteen games against Arsenal as Akpom gives glimpse of bright future with last gasp strike
CHUBA AKPOM gave Arsenal fans a glimpse of a bright future after an old foe almost cost them a first win of pre-season.
The young striker completed a fine Gunners move to snatch victory at the death against the MLS All-Stars in front of a capacity 18,000 crowd in San Jose.
But not before Didier Drogba netted his SIXTEENTH goal in sixteen games against Arsene Wenger’s men.
The French boss sent out a strong team at the Avaya Stadium with Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Joel Campbell leading the Gunners front line.
And Costa Rican Campbell got them off to a flier, converting an 11th-minute penalty after being felled by Laurent Ciman.
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Arsenal had chances to extend their lead but the All-Stars – featuring legends Andrea Pirlo, Kaka, David Villa and Drogba – still looked dangerous against Arsenal’s injury-hit defence.
Another familiar face, former Tottenham striker Giovani dos Santos, forced a save from Petr Cech.
But it was Drogba, who tormented the Gunners for years at Chelsea, who pounced to level just before half-time.
The 38-year-old saw one effort saved by former Blues team-mate Cech, and then another blocked by debutant Rob Holding before prodding home at the third attempt.
Both sides rang the changed at the break, with the impressive Granit Xhaka coming on in the Gunners’ midfield.
Chris Wondolowski shot over for the All-Stars nine minutes from time and Holding headed over as the tie looked to be heading for a draw.
But an intricate move down the left allowed Nacho Monreal to find Akpom for the simplest of finishes to hand Arsenal the win.
Next up for the Gunners on their pre-season tour of North America is Mexican side Chivas de Guadalajara on Monday.
They begin their Premier League campaign at home to Liverpool on August 14.