Chuba Akpom scored a wonderful hat-trick as Arsenal FC defeated Singapore Select XI 4-0 in the Asia Trophy, but fans fear that this might mean no new striker will arrive this summer.
Arsene Wenger fielded a fairly young attack against Singapore Select XI in their opening match of the Asia Trophy. Alex Iwobi and Chuba Akpom got their opportunity to show their worth and both the youngsters did create quite an impression. Iwobi was good with the ball and showed his ability to take on defenders and run past them, while Akpom showed a lot of maturity and decisiveness in front of the goal.
Akpom opened the scoring in the first half as he drilled in a rebound after Jack Wilsherea s initial attempt was blocked by a defender. Wilshere scored the second in the second half after Arsenal were awarded a penalty for a challenge on Mathieu Debuchy. Few minutes later the Gunners were awarded another penalty and Akpom converted it with ease. The 19-year-old completed his hat-trick in the 79th minute of the match as Hector Bellerin picked him up with a lovely cross.
Akpom received lot of praise from Arsenal fans on social media. The general consensus is that Akpom has shown enough promise to have a long-term future at the club and that Arsene Wenger must loan him to Premier League club this season. Some of the fans were however cynical and insisted that Akpoma s hat-trick might have convinced Wenger to not buy another striker this summer.
Akpom needs a full season out on loan. Not ready to be a first-team player yet. #AFC
.
a Alex Batt (@AlexBatt) July 15, 2015
Does akpom’s hat trick mean no new strikers? ?Y?? a Clarence Koh (@ClarenceKohSH) July 15, 2015
Chuba Akpom is like 3 goals during this pre-season away from makings Wenger not sign a new striker. Trust the French man.
a -Ki (@Kinebudder) July 15, 2015
Hope some gud clubs can come take Akpom, Crowley & Zelalem on loan dis season so dey’ll be available for first team selection next season a Toksman (@ogbuefitoks) July 15, 2015
People actually think Akpom’s hat trick will change Wenger’s mind on a ST lol, Akpom will be loaned out somewhere.
a Jake (@WilshereTouch) July 15, 2015
Wenger must not repeat the Afobe mistake with Akpom, that’s our future No.9 right there. A loan to an EPL club will be fine this season a Bolaji (@AFCFreak) July 15, 2015
When you see that Akpom scored a hat-trick but realize that it means that Wenger wont a sign new striker now pic.twitter.com/y5p9iejDRN
a Denis (@AIwaysArsenal) July 15, 2015
The Boss on Chuba Akpom’s hat-trick: a Be like we don’t need another Striker. Benzema who? we’ve got Akpom.a a?? #Arsenal
a Shahrizan Yusoff (@therealshah_) July 15, 2015