. Arsenal FC defeated Singapore Selection XI 0-4 to book their place in the final of the Asia Trophy.
Arsenal FC are off to a good start in their preseason tour of Asia as Chuba Akpom fired three goals against Singapore Selection XI. Jack Wilshere was the other goal scorer for the Gunners, who received two penalties in this game. Akpom was star of the show though as he as scored only the second hat-trick in the short history of the Asia Trophy.
Arsene Wenger fielded a fairly young attack in this 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.
This win means Arsenal will now face Everton in the final of the Asia Trophy, who defeated Stoke City in the other semi-final.
