Arsenal thrashes PSG 5-1 in International Champions Cup friendly

Premier League club Arsenal on Saturday routed Ligue 1 winner Paris Saint Germain (PSG) 5-1 in the International Champions Cup, a friendly pre-season tournament.

Having lost its previous game against Atletico Madrid on a penalty shootout, Arsenal displayed strength against PSG, especially in the second half of the game held at the National Stadium in Singapore, reports Efe.

German midfielder Mesut Ozil, who retired from international football recently, opened the scoring for Arsenal from close range, seizing on a pass from Gabon's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 13 minutes into the game.

It seemed like PSG would rally, as Christopher Nkunku of France successfully converted from the 12-yeard spot at the hour mark.

However Arsenal's Alexandre Lacazette of France, put an end to PSG's hopes of a comeback as he struck twice in a four-minute stretch.

English defender Rob Holding then scored the fourth goal for Arsneal with just three minutes to go before second half stoppage time, while young English forward Eddie Nketiah, age 19, completed the tally four minutes into injury time.

Arsenal is set to play its next ICC friendly against Chelsea on August 1, while PSG is to face Atletico Madrid on July 30.

--IANS

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