Arsenal vs. Everton: Score and Reaction from Asia Trophy 2015 Final

Arsenal won the Barclays Asia Trophy on Saturday, beating Everton 3-1 in an entertaining final at the Singapore National Stadium.

Theo Walcott opened the scoring for the Gunners in the first period, before strikes from Santi Cazorla and Mesut Ozil gave Arsenal a 3-0 lead after the break; Ross Barkley added a consolation for Everton. Petr Cech also made his debut for the Gunners in what was a routine win against a tepid Toffees outfit.

Joseph Nair/Associated Press

It was the first time Cech had donned Arsenal colours since his move from Chelsea earlier this summer, and the Gunners supporters packed into the Singapore National Stadium gave the veteran goalkeeper a rousing reception, per the club’s official Twitter feed:

After some early scintillating surges from Gerard Deulofeu on the right flank for Everton, the game settled down, allowing Arsenal’s superior technical skills to take over. The incision, intelligent movement and positional fluidity of the Gunners were causing massive problems for the Toffees, who were pushed onto the back foot.

The pace of Walcott was another threat and the England man showed what he’s capable of when latching onto a delicious pass from Cazorla, putting his side ahead. Here’s a look at the goal, per Sam:

Everton, whose XI was missing several key players, were really struggling to get out and it was clear chasing the ball around in such punishing humidity was taking its toll. The Toffees did have the ball in the back of the net as half-time approached, though, but Arouna Kone’s scrambled finish was incorrectly ruled out for offside.

Joseph Nair/Associated Press

In the build-up to that chalked off goal, Cech gave the Arsenal supporters a taster of what he’s capable of between the sticks with this fine stop, per Footy Accumulators:

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CECH > COURTOIS https://t.co/0qlSb0KxZD

— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) July 18, 2015"

But that chance was the only sniff Everton had, as the Gunners continued to probe through Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and the immaculate pairing of Ozil and Cazorla. Chances came and went, though, leaving Everton thankful the deficit was just one goal at the interval.

Joseph Nair/Associated Press/Associated Press

The Toffees, buoyed by the half-time introductions of Barkley and Kevin Mirallas, did show some renewed impetus after the break, however. This time Luke Garbutt angled in a scorching long-range drive at goal, but Cech was on hand once again to beat the ball away brilliantly.

Bleacher Report UK offered a unique take on the 33-year-old’s debut up to this point:

But in general play, Arsenal were still well on top and it only seemed a matter of time until the Gunners doubled their lead. When the goal eventually came, it was in a manner which delighted the Singapore supporters. And once again, it was the little Spaniard Cazorla who was decisive.

Joseph Nair/Associated Press

The midfielder picked the ball up, twisted through a couple of challenges and placed a sumptuous shot past Joel Robles with his left foot. Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe was very impressed with the midfielder’s versatility:

Indeed, Cazorla was running riot now and with Everton on the ropes, the ex-Malaga man threaded a wonderful ball through into the path of Ozil just a couple of minutes later, allowing the German international to put the match beyond the Toffees.

Bogdan Maran/Associated Press

Needless to say, with the scoreboard now at 3-0, Toffee TV was not overly enthused by Everton’s performance:

Barkley did give those in blue something to smile about late on, though. The England midfielder is looking to bounce back this season after a difficult 2014-15 campaign and he scored with a powerful finish with the clock ticking down to put Everton to within two goals.

But it was always going to be a case of too little too late for the Toffees, as Arsenal saw the game out with ease in the latter stages.

Jon Super/Associated Press

The last winner of this competition, Manchester City in 2013, went on to win the Premier League and although the two triumphs may not be inextricably linked, there are certainly early signs that the Gunners look more like title contenders.

Ozil finally seems to be completely at ease in an Arsenal shirt, Cazorla is playing as well as he ever has done and in Cech, the club have filled a longstanding void at the base of their team with a genuinely world-class option. With that in mind, perhaps this pre-season trophy won’t be the last silverware the Gunners lift in what’s shaping up to be an enthralling campaign.

Reaction to follow.