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Arsenal Come Out on Top to be Crowned Emirates Cup Champions

[Photo courtesy of Reuters]

In their final test ahead of their Community Shield showdown against Manchester City, Mikel Arteta’s side triumphed on a home debut for several summer signings.

The visitors proved stern opponents, however, and took the lead in the first half.

After good work from Mohamed Camara, with the midfielder picking up the ball and bursting into the box, a cross was whipped in for Youssouf Fofana to head home.

Arsenal responded well, inspired in part by strong performances from Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber before the interval, and promptly found the equaliser.

Gabriel Martinelli, who played well as part of a reshuffled front three, found Eddie Nketiah with a corner, allowing him to volley in.

Arsenal gained momentum after a slew of second-half substitutions at the hour mark, however Wissam Ben Yedder threatened after hitting the crossbar.

Neither team was able to regain the lead, sending the game into overtime.

Takumi Minamino, a former Liverpool player, was the only one denied in the shootout, with Aaron Ramsdale standing tall down the centre to keep the strike out.

That allowed Gabriel to sneak in the game-winning penalty, capping off Arsenal’s preparations in style only days before the start of the new season.

 

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