Arsenal faced off against the MLS All-Stars at the Avaya Stadium in San Jose in a pre-season match as manager Arsene Wenger wanted his side to perform well together, prior to the start of the new season. The Gunners were keen on putting in a solid showing on their travels, as they still look to add more stars to their squad in the current transfer window. The north London outfit finished second in the top flight of English football and failed to impress in the cup competitions, which the French manager will now want to change.
It was the visitors who started the game off more positively, when Joel Campbell earned a penalty for his side and scored, which was eventually cancelled out by former Chelsea man Didier Drogba. It was 1-1 as full time was fast approaching, when 20 year old substitute striker Chuba Akpom made it 2-1 to give his side a narrow win on the night.
Petr Cech made some good saves in the match and Granit Xhaka made his debut for the Premier League giants, since signing for the club at the start of the transfer window.
Player Ratings:
Petr Cech: 4/5
Made some great saves to deny Giovani dos Santos at the start of the match and Sebastian Giovinco after the restart. The best Arsenal player on the pitch, though he could not keep former teammate Didier Drogba out.
Mathieu Debuchy: 3/5
After a horrific last season, the Frenchman made his return to the first team and put in a decent performance. Replaced by Hector Bellerin at the break.
Rob Holding: 3/5
Made his first start and impressed everyone with the battle against Drogba and made a couple of crucial blocks. Wasted a good chance to score from a Xhaka corner late on.
Krystian Bielik: 3/5
Involved in an intense battle against Drogba in the first half, though was beaten as the former Ivory Coast international rushed through to score.
Kieran Gibbs: 2.5/5
Beaten by a pass by Pirlo in the match to play Giovani in, though Cech made a good save to deny the opposition a goal scoring opportunity.
Mohamed Elneny: 3.5/5
Covered a good amount of ground and his shot from long range was saved by All-Star keeper Andre Blake. Looked really composed in the match.
Francis Coquelin: 3/5
A solid performance at the center of the midfield. Generally, what is expected of the Frenchman.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: 3/5
Looked good on the ball with his tricks which got the crowd rolling. Took a few shots at times, though they did not trouble the scores.
Jack Wilshere: 3.5/5
Made a slow start though eventually grew into the game and looked good on the ball at times. Hopefully remains fit as the season is about to start. Good performance against Kaka and Pirlo.
Joel Campbell: 3/5
Brought down by Laurent Ciman for an early penalty, with the Costa Rican converted from the spot. Did not do much in the game apart from that.
Theo Walcott: 2.5/5
Had a few chances here and there in the game, as he took some shots and a set-piece or two, though there was no end product and it was a poor performance to say the least.
Substitutes:
Hector Bellerin: 3/5
Looked more of a threat than Debuchy, whom he replaced at the break.
Calum Chambers: 3/5
Came on to play alongside Holding in the second period and was up against Sebastian Giovinco, who gave him a run for his money.
Alex Iwobi: 2.5/5
Did not look too impressive in the game and was rather poor on the night.
Chuba Akpom: 3.5/5
Came on to score the crucial goal towards the end of the game that eventually proved to be the winner.
Nacho Monreal: 3/5
Looked a bit weak with his distribution of the ball in the match, though it was his pass that helped secure the win.
Granit Xhaka: 3/5
Looked quite composed in the match and seems to be a good signing. However, a shot that he took from a free-kick was directly at David Bingham.