Arsenal edge Wolfsburg to lift Emirates Cup

ByEurosport

Updated 26/07/2015 at 18:15 GMT

Emirates Cup, Emirates Stadium – Arsenal 1 (Walcott 50) Wolfsburg 0

Arsenal's Theo Walcott celebrates scoring their first goal with Jeff Reine Adelaide

Image credit: Reuters

Arsenal lifted the Emirates Cup trophy for the first time since 2010 after a solitary Theo Walcott goal saw off a competitive Wolfsburg side.

The visitors had given a good account of themselves until a moment of magic from the impressive Jeff Reine-Adelaide unlocked their stubborn defence - a fine run and pass from the youngster slipping in Walcott to fire home.

The victory, which followed Arsenal’s 6-0 rout of Lyon on Saturday, means they lift the trophy with a perfect record from their two matches.

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Who is Arsenal new-boy Jeff Reine-Adelaide?

26/07/2015 at 17:25

Arsenal made ten changes from the rout of Lyon with Petr Cech making his Emirates debut. It was a fine debut, too, as he made a couple of good saves to seal a first clean sheet in front of his new fans.

The result should give Arsenal a big confidence boost ahead of the Community Shield against Chelsea which takes place next Sunday.

Wolfsburg's Swiss defender Ricardo Rodriguez (R) vies with Arsenal's English midfielder Jack Wilshere during the pre-season friendly football match between Arsenal and Wolfsburg at The Emirates Stadium in north London on July 26, 2015, the game is one of

Image credit: AFP

KEY MOMENTS

42’ – ARSENAL GO CLOSE: Monreal’s cut back is met by Mesut Ozil who guides his shot just wide of the far post.

50’ – GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Wolfsburg: A surging run from Reine-Adelaide ends with a pinpoint pass to Theo Walcott, who flicks home past Benaglio.

62’ – GOOD SAVE CECH: Guilavogui hits a fierce shot that’s arrowing for the corner of the net but for a diving, two handed stop from the Arsenal keeper.

72’ – AKPOM CLOSE: His fierce drive is well held by Benaglio after good build-up play from Ramsey and Bellerin.

KEY STATS

Petr Cech makes his Emirates debut.

Arsenal lift the Emirates Cup for the first time since 2010.

MATCHCAST: FULL COMMENTARY AND STATS

TALKING POINT

Jeff Reine-Adelaide’s fine showing: The young flyer, signed from Lens, really looks an exciting acquisition. Great pace, great feet and fantastic vision means there’s now a new kid on the block to boost the squad.

Arsenal's Theo Walcott celebrates scoring their first goal with Jeff Reine Adelaide and Chuba Akpom

Image credit: Reuters

MAN OF THE MATCH

Jeff Reine-Adelaide (Arsenal): The 17-year-old created the winning goal and enjoyed a fantastic first start at the Emirates. His rangy running style and confidence on the ball at such a tender age will make Arsenal fans understandably excited about his potential.

[Who is Arsenal new-boy Jeff Reine-Adelaide?]

PLAYER RATINGS

Arsenal: Cech 7, Bellerin 6, Chambers 6, Gabriel 6, Monreal 6, Arteta 6, Cazorla 7, Reine-Adelaide 8, Ozil 6, Wilshere 7, Walcott 7.

Subs: Giroud 6, Oxlade-Chamberlain 7, Ramsey 6, Akpom 6, Hayden 6.

Wolfsburg: Benaglio 6, Jung 7, Naldo 6, Klose 6, Rodriguez 6, Trasch 7, Guilavogui 7, Vieirinha 6, De Bruyne 6, Schürrle 7, Bendter 6.

SUBS: Caligiuri 6, Kruse 6, Arnold 6, Seguin 6, Rodriguez 6.

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