In full flight: Alexis Sanchez slips his marker Geoffrey Kondogbia in the 2014 Emirates Cup clash against Monaco

Published: 16 July, 2015
by RICHARD OSLEY

TEENAGE forward Chuba Akpom gave Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger something to think about yesterday (Wednesday) as he netted a hat-trick in the club’s first major pre-season match.

Wearing their new honeycomb gold away kits, the Gunners comfortably won 4-0 against a home Singapore Select XI in the Barclay’s Asia Cup. 

They will now face Everton in the final of the four-team tournament on Saturday. 

Akpom, 19, is looking to secure a place among the first team squad this season rather than being farmed out on loan. 

He has already been borrowed for short spells by Brentford, Coventry and Nottingham Forest.

The striker, who has been with the club since he was six, scored with a rasping drive in the first period and hit second-half goals with a penalty and a powerful header, although the fixture was clearly a mismatch in quality. 

Jack Wilshere also scored from a spot-kick to complete the rout.

Asked afterwards whether Akpom could feature for the first team when the real business of the Premier League gets started next month, Wenger said: “Let’s not forget it’s a friendly. He’s a good talent but he has to work and show that in the big games. 

“It’s down to performance and attitude. He has that grade to make between being a big talent and an efficient talent week in, week out. That’s, of course, the target.”

Wenger added that the experience playing alongside first-team regulars like Wilshere would benefit him. “He’s a young player and it can lift his confidence,” said the Arsenal boss. “The confidence in the dressing room that you sense from the other players is important and can help him.”

After Saturday’s Everton game, Arsenal will fly home to prepare for the Emirates Cup games against Lyon and Wolfsburg at their home stadium, which begins on Saturday, July 25.