Arsenal score two late goals with Thomas Eisfield and Chukwuemeka Aneke scoring a brace each to help Arsenal avoid a defeat against a Malaysia All Stars team as they won 2-1.
Arsene Wenger felt the opening match of Arsenal’s tour was a “good workout” after watching his side come from behind to beat a Malaysia XI 2-1 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. Mohd Azmi Muslim had fired the hosts ahead with a fine 30-yard strike in first-half stoppage time. Wenger made the expected sweeping changes for the second half and, after missing several chances, the Gunners leveled with just four minutes left through 19-year-old German midfielder Thomas Eisfeld, then snatched victory when Benik Afobe’s shot was deflected in.
“We played two sides and I felt both did well. The first half was played at a high pace and overall it was a good workout for us against a good Malaysian team”, Wenger told a post-match press conference, published on www.arsenal.com. “Every year they play faster, quicker and stronger. We had to be patient to win the game, but the result was less important than the workout.”, he said.
“We got the quality of the game we wanted and that is very positive, and we got through it without any injuries.”
Positives
For all the criticism thrown at him, Diaby showed he is not all washed up and is ready to fight for a place in the team. Abou Diaby and Gervinho combined together well in periods during the first half, as did Kieran Gibbs and Andre Santos. And in the second period with Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, Miyaichi and Walcott in the pitch, there was a change in things and walcott looked rough.
The future as always looks bright for Arsenal. Youngsters like Eisfield, Aneke, Nico Yennaris, and Ryo Miyaichi all were lively and are ready to fight for a place in the Arsenal first team. Defensively Vermaelen as always looked good and sharp, Djourou had a decent run in and Gibbs showed some decent form.
Negatives
Arsenal did not really create many chances as Arsene Wenger would have liked. It can be accepted that the young team still needs to adjust but there was a spark that was missing which would have made the difference.
Even though Gervinho showed some good touch up front, Chamakh was disappointing. He is surely not what Arsenal need and has to be replaced. With Rvp’s situation still not cleared which would leave Giroud as the only recognized center forward.
Overall Verdict
This Arsenal side cannot be assessed for the season until it begins but the future seems to be promising with the youngsters performing admirably. As far as this match goes, it was a little disappointing. We will have to wait till the end of the transfer market to look who Wenger brings in. There are a few positions that still need new players who can make some difference in Arsenal.
Arsenal now head to Beijing, where they will play Barclays Premier League champions Manchester City in the Bird’s Nest Stadium on Friday. Wenger admits there is still “some work to do” as pre-season steps up into full gear.
He concluded, “Overall we still have some tactical work to do and some physical training too, but don’t forget that some players have only had two or three days training. Some others have only had a maximum of seven or eight so physically we are far from what we can produce.”