Twitter Reacts as Chuba Akpom Scores Hat-Trick in Arsenal Friendly

Arsenal returned to action for the first time since lifting the FA Cup with an appearance in the Barclays Asia Trophy on Wednesday. The Singapore National Stadium hosted the Gunners' clash against a Singapore S.League XI that suffered a 5-0 shellacking at the hands of Juventus last summer. It was a similar story for the hosts this time around, with the London side emerging 4-0 victors in 31 degree heat and 70 per cent humidity, per the Guardian's Michael Butler.   

Despite the friendly nature of the game and the challenging environment, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger chose only to name six substitutes. He did not include the man who made this save during a training session at the stadium:

Understandably, many fans were unhappy at the exclusion of the Gunners' major new signing:

"

Why no Cech?? 

— gσσиєɾgιɾℓω (@GoonerGirlW) July 15, 2015"

However, one of the Singaporean players appeared to pay their own special tribute to the Czech shot-stopper: 

"

Petr Cech coming on for Singapore Select XI... pic.twitter.com/iFBR5nXykh

— Terry (@TerryAFCx) July 15, 2015"

Arsenal fans needn't worry about Petr Cech fitting in, though. Apparently, he's getting on famously with his colleagues:

"

I see Cech is settling in nicely pic.twitter.com/ReuytP6ktd

— Daniel Cowan (@thedanielcowan) July 14, 2015"

With no Cech between the sticks, the star of the show was undoubtedly Chuba Akpom, whom Wenger gave a start up front in his 4-5-1 formation. The 19-year-old paid back his manager's faith with a hat-trick:

It may have been a friendly against weaker opposition, but getting to take the match ball home is definitely worthy of a text from mum:

Mrs. Akpom wasn't the only one thrilled by the performance. Many Gunners fans were incredibly excited by what they had witnessed:

"

Hat-trick for Akpom, such a bright future ahead of him at Arsenal. 

— ️️️️️️️️️ (@MarkusMcGarry__) July 15, 2015"

"

Chuba Akpom for 15/16 prem golden boot.

— Damilare OG (@___thebigman) July 15, 2015"

"

Akpom seems to have that centre forward's drive and hunger for goals that Welbeck doesn't. #afc

— . (@a_fcbuwa) July 15, 2015"

With all the Akpom admiration circulating on social media, there were plenty of fans waiting to burst the bubble of what they felt was a slightly overzealous reaction:

There was also some interesting perspective from Coventry City fans, who watched Akpom in a sky blue shirt during the second half of the 2013-14 season:

"

One of the worst loan signings I have ever seen at Coventry, Akpom, leads the line for Arsenal.

— Joey Coombes (@JoeyCoombes) July 15, 2015"

Wenger also gave precocious midfielder Gedion Zelalem a 25-minute run-out, during which he also earned positive reaction, despite not contributing a great deal:

The main social buzz around Zelalem seemed to be the unidentified object above his head as he entered the field:

"

Zelalem has been sent by god!! pic.twitter.com/9NxPVgtk3D

— Mike Sanz (@mikesanz19) July 15, 2015"

Youth prospect Daniel Crowley made an appearance alongside Zelalem and also earned some plaudits:

"

Akpom is a baller but the Crowley hype train is where it's at

— DA (@sgfa_afc) July 15, 2015"

"

Daniel Crowley more like DAMNiel WOWley rt please my children are dying

— KING CARLITO (@Sanchovies) July 15, 2015"

"

Crowley is special.

— TikaTakaWilsh (@TikaTakaWilsh) July 15, 2015"

There was also plenty of goodwill directed towards Arsenal's new kit, which was launched at a lavish affair in Singapore on Tuesday: 

"

The away kit looks sick in action. #Arsenal

— Michael G. (@fraziankidd) July 15, 2015"

Some, however, weren't so keen on the new threads:

Overall, it was a successful day for the Gunners, who were able to treat 55,000 Asian fans to a well-deserved—if not entirely entertaining—victory. Here's the summation of one supporter in attendance:

Fear not, Ruoci—it's been said that many fans at the Emirates also find your point No. 3 to be a problem...kidding! Maybe! Arsenal will play Everton in the final of the tournament on Saturday.