Arsenal vs MLS All-Stars match report: Didier Drogba returns to haunt Gunners but Chuba Akpom seals late win

Arsenal 2 MLS All-Stars 1: Drogba beat his former Chelsea teammate Petr Cech in first-half injury time after Joel Campbell gave Arsenal the lead, setting up Akpom to score a late winner

Friday 29 July 2016 06:55 BST
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Chuba Akpom celebrates after scoring the winning goal for Arsenal against the MLS All-Stars
Chuba Akpom celebrates after scoring the winning goal for Arsenal against the MLS All-Stars (Getty)

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A late goal from Chuba Akpom gave Arsenal a 2-1 victory over the MLS All-Stars in their friendly match in San Jose.

Striker Akpom, who spent last season on loan at Hull, settled the contest in the 87th minute when he tapped in a Nacho Monreal pass from close range.

The Gunners took the lead at the Avaya Stadium when Joel Campbell converted an 11th-minute penalty, awarded after the striker had been fouled by Laurent Ciman.

A flyover marks the start of the pre-season friendly between Arsenal and MLS All-Stars
A flyover marks the start of the pre-season friendly between Arsenal and MLS All-Stars (Getty)

Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech got down well to deny Giovani dos Santos - but he was beaten in first half injury-time by former Chelsea team-mate Didier Drogba.

Drogba saw one effort blocked by Cech and was then denied by defender Rob Harding - but when the loose ball broke for the 38-year-old Montreal Impact striker he was able to net at the third attempt, prodding home.

MLS All-Stars players celebrate Didier Drobga's equaliser against Arsenal
MLS All-Stars players celebrate Didier Drobga's equaliser against Arsenal (Getty)

Chris Wondolowski shot over for the All-Stars nine minutes from time as they pressed for a winner and after Harding headed over three minutes later at the other end, Akpom won it for Arsenal.

Arsene Wenger looks on in relaxed mood at the Avaya Stadium
Arsene Wenger looks on in relaxed mood at the Avaya Stadium (Getty)

Arsene Wenger's side, who are next in action against Mexico side Chivas in Los Angeles on Monday, start their Premier League campaign with a home match against Liverpool on August 14.

PA

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