A brace from Theo Walcott set Arsenal on course for a 5-2 victory against Benfica in the Emirates Cup.
Arsenal notched up a brilliant 5-2 win against Benfica to seemingly set the tone for the upcoming season. The Gunners were truly on fire in terms of their attack and were merciless on the opposition defence. They kept peppering shots towards the goal and got it right five times.
Reiss Nelson’s explosive performance from right wing-back delighted the Arsenal fans but they did face some issues when it came to their defence on the whole. However, that will be something that can be addressed later because the Gunners truly deserved this victory.
Fans took to Twitter and praised Theo Walcott for his sensational goals, and some were quick to point out that the Englishman is playing like he used to a long time back.
*Arsenal linked with Lemar/Mahrez*
Theo Walcott on a hattrick vs Benfica in the Emirates cup 13 days to the new season.
Vintage Theo.
— Danny Welbeck (@WelBeast) July 29, 2017
Theo Walcott goal for Arsenal vs Benfica 1-1 pic.twitter.com/AliptKLLgX
— TM™ (@ClassyGunners) July 29, 2017
Theo Walcott is now level with Yaya Sanogo (4) as the leading goalscorer in the Emirates Cup. #afc pic.twitter.com/CfmcgWKms3
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) July 29, 2017
Theo Walcott is a numbers merchant. Always fantastic with number. Very efficient player. I doubt we'll ever sell him unless he gets greedy
— Nnamdi Obinwanne (@obisingledigit) July 29, 2017
He may not be everyones cup of tea but Theo Walcott is one of our most productive players. You don't throw his ilk away.
— Dr. Mohammed Amali (@MoAmali) July 29, 2017
Can't believe Theo Walcott has done a "half a Sanogo" (scored twice in the Emirates Cup against Benfica)
— Kevin (@KevBeirne) July 29, 2017
Theo Walcott's game is changed. Its no longer about pace and trickery; in the opposition box, he is a livewire.
— IslingtonGoonerAFC (@Born_a_gooner) July 29, 2017
Free transfer Sead Kolasinac also put up an impressive performance and was active on the field for major parts of the game. In fact, he was involved in three of the five goals that Arsenal scored and the fans were quick to heap praise on him as well.
You are a bully @seadk6! ??
Can't wait to see him play this season. No nonsense.#AFCvBEN #EmiratesCup— Moh Haider (@ArsenalMoh8) July 29, 2017
We signed Sead Kolasinac for free. Zero. Zilch. Amazing.
— Pádraig (@afcpadraig) July 29, 2017
Brilliant play from @seadk6 ! pic.twitter.com/jmiJ38dlXf
— Anything Arsenal.? (@AnythingAFC) July 29, 2017
Sead Kolašinac registered 5 assists in the Bundesliga during 2016/17; no defender had more.
Loves to bomb forward. ? pic.twitter.com/NYWMscueX1
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) July 29, 2017
It's been a long time since we have a tough guy who's not easily being bullied by opponents.
Sead Kolasinac guys ??
— TwtArsenalMY (@Twt_ArsenalMY) July 29, 2017
Sead Kolasinac IS the Arsenal left flank. An utter machine, shouldn't take long to beat the Premier League into submission
— James Benge (@jamesbenge) July 29, 2017
The youngster Reiss Nelson, though, was the one who completely stole the limelight against Benfica. Nelson remained unfazed and played with a kind of ferocity that was pleasant to watch and his performance truly delighted the Arsenal fans.
I don't want to get too excited about Reiss Nelson but it's clear he's going to win the Balon d'Or next season.
— 1886 (@1886_blog) July 29, 2017
Class performance from @ReissNelson9 ? pic.twitter.com/iqexhCL8wP
— Arsène's Son (@hughwizzy) July 29, 2017
Really impressed with the young lad Reiss Nelson, his delivery is spot on 9/10 times, superb talent!
— Mr DT © (@MrDtAFC) July 29, 2017
Yes, we’ve only seem him in friendlies — but I LOVE Reiss Nelson’s bravado.
— gunnerblog (@gunnerblog) July 29, 2017
Reiss Nelson HAS to be given game-time in the Europa League & in the other cup competitions. Special talent. #afc
— Arsenaloholic (@ArsenalohoIic) July 29, 2017
if Reiss Nelson was a Monaco player, he would probably be priced 40m
— Avalanche (@hunree) July 29, 2017
Reiss nelson is gonna be next big thing next season. Heard it here first
— Chaz (@CharlieMariani9) July 20, 2017