Arsenal vs. Singapore Select: Score and Reaction from Asia Trophy 2015 Friendly

Arsenal coasted into the final of the Barclays Asia Trophy at the Singapore National Stadium on Wednesday, beating a Singapore Select XI 4-0 in the first match of their pre-season campaign.

A hat-trick from Chuba Akpom and a penalty from Jack Wilshere did the damage for the Gunners, who will meet Everton in Saturday’s final after the Toffees beat Stoke City on penalties earlier in the day.

Jon Super/Associated Press

There were a smattering of first team players in the XI named by Arsene Wenger for this one and an excellent chance to see some of the club’s brightest young players in action too, per the Arsenal Twitter feed:

From the off it was clear there was a gulf in class between the two teams, but Arsenal were initially unable to find an incisive edge in dangerous areas, nor a way past the opposition’s impressive goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud.

Alex Iwobi was a big threat on the left flank for the Gunners early on, and his uncle, Nigeria legend Jay-Jay Okocha, was delighted to see the youngster getting a run out:

After some strong early stops from Mahbud, Arsenal eventually found a decisive touch. And it was another young player, Akpom, who did well to finish after running onto a loose ball in the penalty area and thrashing a low strike into the net.

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

Here’s a look at the opening goal of the game, courtesy of Fanatix:

It could have easily been the trigger for the floodgates to open, but credit must go to the Singapore Select, who dug in following the concession of the goal. The hosts even went close themselves three minutes after Arsenal edged ahead, but Baihakki Khaizan’s goal-bound header was blocked by Per Mertesacker.

Nonetheless, Arsenal finished the half in complete control, much to the delight of the swathes of Gunners who had packed out the stadium. The Highbury Clock reflected on some strong displays from the young players in the team:

Most pre-season matches so far have seen managers make a flurry of half time changes, but Wenger chose to make just one, with Wojciech Szczesny on to replace Damian Martinez in goal. With most of the same men in situ after the break, the pace of the game was naturally a lot slower in the second period.

There were still openings for Arsenal, however. In the 60th minute, Mathieu Debuchy, who was impressive throughout, was felled in the box, and Wilshere stepped up confidently to make it 2-0 from the penalty spot.

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

The second goal was clearly the cue for the Arsenal boss to ring the changes, with Daniel Crowley, Gedion Zelalem and Christopher Willock all brought on in the 64th minute. Alterations in personnel from the hosts meant that the game quickly became sapped of rhythm in general play, descending into something of a lull.

But Akpom was still looking a major threat at the point of the attack, and buoyed by his early goal, the young forward stroked home the Gunners' second penalty of the day in the 77th minute after Jon Toral was fouled. Just a couple of minutes later, the youngster had his hat-trick.

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

This time it was his aerial ability on show, as Akpom nodded past Mahbud from Hector Bellerin's cross. Here's a look at what was a satisfying moment for the striker:

Clearly bewitched by his display here, Arsenal News suggested that the 19-year-old could make a major impact in the first XI in 2015-16:

With the hosts jaded, the Gunners probably could have run in more goals. But they kept the ball well in the final stages and preserved their four-goal advantage with ease.

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

For Wenger, this will have been a valuable exercise, and he will have been delighted to see Akpom looking so prolific.

Although the local players made this tough for the Premier League side at times, the humidity in the stadium was smothering, and as was evident by the soaking wet shirts of the Arsenal players in the aftermath, this match was a very tough workout.

Everton, who were energetic and physical against Stoke earlier in the day, will pose a much sterner challenge to the Gunners. While some fresh faces impressed in this contest, expect an injection of first team regulars to take to the field for what should be an intriguing climax to this entertaining pre-season tournament.

Reaction:

Afterwards, Wenger admitted he was impressed with visitors, had praise aplenty for Akpom and insisted a stronger XI will take to the field on Saturday: