Arsenal player ratings: Chuba Akpom scored a hat-trick but was he the star man as the Gunners beat Singapore Select XI?
Arsenal won 4-0
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Arsenal strolled to a comfortable victory in the first of their pre-season matches in the Far East, beating a Singapore Select XI 4-0 thanks to a hat-trick from teenage striker Chuba Akpom.
The 19-year-old fired home the only goal of the first-half before converting a penalty and then heading home the fourth; England midfielder Jack Wilshere was also on target for Arsene Wenger's team.
New signing Petr Cech was rested for the game, not even making the bench, with Wenger picking a mix of youth and experience.
Here's how they got on:
Damian Martinez: Quite literally had nothing to do, with Singapore failing to register a shot at his goal in the first half. He did look comfortable with the ball at his feet though. 6
Mathieu Debuchy: Near anonymous in the first half the full back was reinvigorated in the second, getting forward whenever possible and deserved to win a penalty. 7
Per Mertesacker: Could scarcely have asked for an easier game to work on his fitness and ball control. A series of long balls forward from Singapore were easy for him to deal with. 6
Gabriel Paulista: His most notable contribution was to take a howitzer of an effort full-on in the chest in comedy fashion. Otherwise he looked a solid presence, comfortable on the ball and with a good passing range. 6
Nacho Monreal: Made the most of the space created by Iwobi, getting down the left flank to provide an attacking option. Still needs to use this pre-season to find his crossing radar though, with several attempts clearing the area. 6
Mathieu Flamini: This did not seem to be the game for Flamini’s brand of terrier play and at times his limited passing range was shown up. 5
Francis Coquelin: In contrast to his colleague he showed a passing range not usually associated with his solid defensive play. He displayed that in abundance, with only one careless tackle on the edge of his area blotting his record. 7
Jack Wilshere: By far the most skilful player on the park he relished his role as Arsenal’s creator in chief, dropping deep to collect the ball and run at the increasingly petrified Singapore defence. 8
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: Another first teamer to enjoy the run out, he kept possession well and intelligently found space to create several shooting opportunities, though he should have tested the keeper more often. 7
Chuba Akpom: Early on he looked too eager to impress but his first goal allowed him to calm down and play with pace, energy and directness. Deserved his goals, even a hattrick rather flattered his performance. 7
Alex Iwobi: A pacey presence on the left he looked the most complete of Wenger’s young prospects, combining well with Wilshere and cutting inside to cause havoc. 8
SUBS:
Wojciech Szczesny: Martinez’s replacement had no more to do, and if anything may have appreciated a more dangerous opposition as he had no chance to show Wenger what he can do. 6
Gedion Zelalem: Settled comfortably at the base of Arsenal’s midfield, passing the ball simply but effectively. A fine piece of dribbling gave Bellerin the space to provide Akpom’s hattrick assist. 7
Dan Crowley: Another who made the most of his brief spell in front of Wenger, one pass to Zelalem in particular being worthy of any of his illustrious colleagues. 7
Chris Willock: A willing runner on the right flank, he was perhaps guilty of drifting into traffic too often both with and without the ball. 6
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments