Vietnam 1-7 Arsenal: Match Report

By Peter Wells (twitter @boxingbrains):

In an equally commanding albeit far less impressive victory in the Asian Tour, Arsenal ran out 7-1 victors over Vietnam. Arsenal were yet again clinical in front of goal but the lack of pace in their play and an overall lack of effort for long stretches of the game meant that they scored, or at least created, less chances than they possibly could have.

Olivier Giroud was the star of the match, scoring a 1st half hat-trick before he was replaced at the break. Its now 5 goals in just over an hours play - he came on as a substitute vs Indonesia Dream Team - for the French international. Akpom also came off the bench to add to his tally with 2 goals, while Oxlade-Chamberlain and Miquel were also on the score-sheet

But lest we forget the effort of Vietnam being re-paid when Tran Manh Dung volleyed the ball into the ground and over Martinez in goal to send the crowd into raptures.

After a promising start from Vietnam, Arsenal countered quickly and Olivier Giroud's shot across goal bounced in off the post. This was followed by a frustrating spell for Arsenal supporters as the ball was lost cheaply on several occasions, although Vietnam lacked the quality in their attacks to punish a lacklustre Arsenal performance.

Then as half time loomed Jenkinson burst down the right hand side, crossing the ball which was inadvertently cleared into the path of Giroud who bent the ball into the top corner from just outside the box. Then right on half time, Giroud completed his hat-trick when Oxlade-Chamberlain fed the ball through to the striker who exquisitely flicked the ball over the on-rushing keeper.

Into the 2nd half and Arsenal wasted little time to increase their advantage, as Theo Walcott held the ball up for Chamberlain who bent his shot into the corner of the net.

The 5th came just after Akpom had missed a good chance, but this time the young striker made no mistake after Ramsey played the ball to him. That was followed by Arsenal's 6th and Akpom's 2nd goal. Great link up play between several Arsenal players outside the box before Chamberlain selflessly played the ball square for Akpom to poke in.

Several more chances came for Arsenal. Akpom and Mertesacker coming the closest before Eisfeld cut the ball back from the by-line for Miquel to stroke the ball home for 7-0.

After that Arsenal did little of any note, before Dung managed to score a consolation goal. Just before injury time, the Vietnamese keeper was sent off for handling the ball way outside the box when Wilshire tried to knock the ball around him.

Despite the performance lacking, Arsene Wenger will be remotely happy that his side showed how clinical they are in front of goal. Not many players shined but Olivier Giroud and Alex Oxalde-Chamberlain were the pick of the bunch.

Man of the Match: Olivier Giroud, who turned in 3 goals in the space of 45 minutes, and is now showing the confidence of a world class centre forward.

Next up for Arsenal is Nagoya Grampus Eight next Monday. Kick off is at 11:30 UK time.