Despite a bit of a defensively dodgy first half, Arsenal managed to romp to a comfortable win over Benfica in the Emirates Cup.
The scoreline might be a bit deception considering, despite being the better team, the Gunners tried their best to gift Benfica the win.
Arsenal went close within minutes after Olivier Giroud picked up a pass from Theo Walcott. However, Benfica goalkeeper, Júlio César, somehow managed to make the first save of the game.
Despite the hosts looking the strongest, Arsenal wouldn’t be Arsenal without an embarrassing moment of stupidity.
Per Mertesacker scored an own goal after watching the ball bounce between his legs, allowing Benfica to take the lead early on.
10 minutes in. Rob Holding has completed 75 interceptions so far.
— JB™ (@gunnerpunner) July 29, 2017
Comedy
— Arsène's Son (@hughwizzy) July 29, 2017
Class from Mertesacker trying to get Ospina sold
— JB™ (@gunnerpunner) July 29, 2017
Even though the Portuguese champions were ahead, Arsenal continued to play the better football, with young Reiss Nelson impressing again.
Has Reiss failed to take someone on once so far?! This kid
— AFC Dan (@afcDW) July 29, 2017
Hope we actually play Nelson this season and don't just waste a fucking sick prospect.
— Billy Dunmore (@Dunmoreorless) July 29, 2017
After probing away for 20 minutes, Arsenal finally equalised with a thumping right-footed volley from Theo Walcott. However, it was all about newbie, Sead Kolasiac, who out-muscled several players and dinked the ball over to the forward for his assist.
Kolasinac does really well to win the ball in the Benfica box and tees up Walcott for the volley. 1-1 pic.twitter.com/jG3ta0m3V6
— Terje (@ArsenalTerje) July 29, 2017
That brute strength from Kolasinac
— Arsène's Son (@hughwizzy) July 29, 2017
I think we've got a left back lads. What a pass.
— JB™ (@gunnerpunner) July 29, 2017
To be fair, Walcott is already MOTM because of that hairstyle.
— GoonerGordo (@GoonerGordo) July 29, 2017
https://twitter.com/Squawka/status/891324200870346752
that kolasinac is 1 big bastard.
— Eduardo (@redcannoned) July 29, 2017
Theo could have doubled Arsenal’s lead minutes later as he used his lightning-speed to break. However, as he so often does, he slowed himself down, got fouled just outside the penalty box, and then thumped the ball into the Benfica wall.
The Gunners’ second goal came from Theo after some more great play from Kolasinac and an assist from Francis Coquelin. Coq was then subbed off injured.
KOLASINAC BEST LEFT BACK IN THE WORLDDDD
— Alex (@AIexBarbaro) July 29, 2017
He didn't get the actual goal/assist but more lovely play in the build up from Kolašinac
— AFC Dan (@afcDW) July 29, 2017
Theo having fun. Need some goals for others now. Get their confidence buzzing.
— Eduardo (@redcannoned) 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
Benfica then scored another. Well, Arsenal scored another FOR Benfica after some terrible defending.
2-2. Benfica equalise through another own goal.
— Renato (@th14Renato) July 29, 2017
Maitlind-Niles literally made the worst decision
— Leutrim Rexhaj (@LeutrimRexhaj) July 29, 2017
Playing an extra defender doesn't mean that you can play any randomer in defence
— JB™ (@gunnerpunner) July 29, 2017
We. Are. The. Banter.
— HeisenMania (@Heisenbear27) July 29, 2017
https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/891334191190745088
Being the odd game that it was, minutes after coming out after the break, Arsenal went 3-2 ahead through an own goal.
Lisandro Lopez [OG] vs @SLBenfica (2017). pic.twitter.com/FBbGc5okPv
— ArsenalGoals (@ArsenalGoaIs) July 29, 2017
Benfica continued to give Arsenal plenty of space.
Theo, who was on a hat-trick, smacked a superb ball from Olivier Giroud skyward despite having a good game so far.
There's the Theo we all know and love
— Daily Cannon (@DailyCannon) July 29, 2017
Nelson and Kolasinac continued to be the two Arsenal players impressing fans the most and sure enough it was Nelson who assisted Arsenal’s fourth from Giroud.
Actually can't wait for Kolasinac to break every right winger in the Barclays.
— Billy Dunmore (@Dunmoreorless) July 29, 2017
https://twitter.com/ArsenalsRelated/status/891338751099764736
Not going to get too excited yet but Reiss Nelson is better than Messi
— Joe Tilley (@Tilley_96) July 29, 2017
At the Emirates Cup Reiss Nelson, aged 17, really catching the eye. Be surprised if he doesn't get chances in the first team this season.
— Amy Lawrence (@amylawrence71) July 29, 2017
And now Nelson does get an assist.
Checks back with a dummy onto his 'weaker' left foot to pick out Giroud.
The boy's a bit special.
— Simon Collings (@sr_collings) July 29, 2017
Imagine not thinking Giroud's any good. What a budget life.
— et tu, Lupoli? (@Bloatyheader) July 29, 2017
Arsenal then continued to run rampant, going 5-2 ahead through Alex Iwobi, who’d been pretty quiet so far. Again, it was brilliant play in and around the box from Kolasinac and an assist from Giroud.
Absolutely lovely football. Great stuff all round.
— S (@attwood10) July 29, 2017
Confirmed – Sean Kolasinac is a really great lad.
— S (@attwood10) July 29, 2017
Can we play you every week
— Anita (@arsenaloFka) July 29, 2017
https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/891340849317105665