Iwobi scores as Arsenal begin Emirates Cup defence with win

Nigerian striker, Alex Iwobi scored for Arsenal on Saturday as the Gunners got their Emirates Cup defence underway with a 5-2 win over Benfica.

Arsene Wenger’s side, who are four-time champions of the pre-season tournament, came from behind with goals by Theo Walcott (brace), Olivier Giroud, Iwobi and an own goal by Benfica’s Lopez to beat the Portugal champions.

Franco Cervi put Benfica ahead in the 11th minute before Walcott grabbed the equaliser in the 24th minute for the Gunners.

Walcott added another after the half-hour mark but Benfica leveled before the interval when Eduardo Salvio beat David Ospina with the aid of another deflection.

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Lisandro Lopez in an attempt to clear a Walcott cross from reaching Giroud, conceded an own goal in the 52nd minute to hand Arsenal the lead again. Giroud made it 4-2 for Arsenal in the 64th minute before Iwobi scored in the 71st minute to ensure the victory.

Earlier on, La Liga giants, Sevilla defeated Bundesliga side, RB Leipzig 1-0, with Wissam Ben Yedder scoring the only goal of the game.

Arsenal are now top of the group standings. They take on Sevilla on Sunday while Benfica face RB Leipzig.

 

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