Arsenal vs Monaco: Arsenal retained the Emirates Cup on Wednesday night, beating AS Monaco 5-4 on penalties after the match was drawn 1-1 after extra time.
The Gunners took the lead in the first half through Youssouf Fofana, but Eddie Nketiah equalized just before half time. Neither side could find a winner in the second half or extra time, so the match went to penalties.
Arsenal were perfect from the spot, with Gabriel, Martinelli, Odegaard, Tavares and Gabriel all scoring their penalties. Monaco missed two penalties, with Golovin and Diop both seeing their efforts saved by Aaron Ramsdale.
The win means that Arsenal have now won the Emirates Cup four times in the past five years. They will be hoping to build on this momentum when the Premier League season starts next month.
Key moments
- 10′: Arsenal take the lead through Fofana.
- 44′: Nketiah equalizes for Arsenal.
- 90′: Full time: Arsenal 1-1 Monaco.
- 120′: Extra time: Arsenal 1-1 Monaco.
- 120+5′: Penalty shootout: Arsenal 5-4 Monaco.
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Here are some of the key takeaways from Arsenal’s performance in the Emirates Cup final:
- Martinelli was a constant threat: The Brazilian winger was a constant menace to the Monaco defense, creating several chances and scoring a goal. He is one to watch for the new season.
- Nketiah showed his finishing prowess: The striker came off the bench to score a crucial goal and then converted his penalty in the shootout. He will be hoping to challenge for a starting spot this season.
- Ramsdale was solid in goal: The goalkeeper made a number of important saves, including one in the shootout. He is looking like a very reliable option between the sticks.
Man of the match: Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)
Ramsdale was the hero for Arsenal on the night, making a number of important saves throughout the match. He also saved two penalties in the shootout, which proved to be the difference.
What next?
Arsenal will now turn their attention to the start of the Premier League season. They will face Crystal Palace away on August 5th.
Monaco will also be back in action next week, when they face Nantes in Ligue 1.