International Champions Cup: 4 Arsenal talking points as Atletico Madrid beat the Gunners on penalties

Club Atletico de Madrid v Arsenal - International Champions Cup 2018

Unai Emery’s Arsenal began their pre-season friendlies against Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid in Singapore on Thursday, much to the delight of 23,095 fans, most of Arsenal, on the stands of the Singapore National Stadium. The game ended with the Spanish side defeating the Gunners on penalties (3-1) after a 1-1 draw.

Here are four talking points from the game from Arsenal's point of view:


#1 17-year-old Emile Smith-Rowe stole the show

Chelsea v Arsenal - FA Youth Cup Final: First Leg
Arsenal's 17-year-old wonder kid during the first leg of the FA Youth Cup Final

Having decided to rest World Cup players Alex Iwobi, Mesut Ozil and Mohamed Elneny, Emery fielded 17-year-old Smith-Rowe, who ended up scoring the only Arsenal goal - an equalizer that took the game to penalties.

Picking up the ball in midfield, Smith-Rowe moved forward to curl in an incredible 20-yard strike, the kind that puts the spotlight entirely on you – a self-announcement.

It isn’t merely the goal that earned the boy such praise. At just 17, Smith-Rowe is already so comfortable on the ball, even under pressure, delivering precise passes throughout the game.

Having already been compared to Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, the Arsenal youngster earned massive praise on Twitter with some fans even claiming he is better than France’s Zidane.

#2 Arsenal’s teen trio are players to look out for

Club Atletico de Madrid v Arsenal - International Champions Cup 2018
New signing Matteo Guendouzi shone at the International Champions Cup 2018 against Atletico Madrid

Despite including new signings Bernd Leno and Sokratis Papastathopoulos in the game, it were the three teenagers Emile Smith-Rowe, Reiss Nelson and Matteo Guendouzi (also new) who shone throughout the game.

19-year-old Nelson pressed the opposition with dangerous, surging runs proving once again that he is an attacking threat because of his pace.

Guendouzi, the new signing from Lorient, also impressed with a composed play (despite defensive mistakes) and outstanding ball distribution. He showed off his talents in the Arsenal midfield garnering much praise from fans who are excited to see such fantastic play from the club’s future players.

There is no denying that the trio is still very young. While first-team involvement back home seems like a stretch, they are definitely players of the future.

#3 Mesut Ozil has got support even in the far East

Club Atletico de Madrid v Arsenal - International Champions Cup 2018
Club Atletico de Madrid v Arsenal - International Champions Cup 2018

Ozil has had a difficult time in recent months taking the fall for Germany’s defeat at the World Cup and having recently quit the country’s football team citing racism and disrespect against him while playing for Germany as reasons for his decision.

The exit was received badly in a number of quarters with Bayern president Uli Hoeness claiming the attacking midfielder has been “s**t for years” and accusing the Arsenal man of hiding behind his photo with the Turkish president after the decision.

However, Ozil has received support across the globe including Singapore where fans at the Singapore National Stadium made their support for him known whilst donning #StandWithOzil t-shirts.

Still recovering from the World Cup, Ozil was pitchside during the game and at one point, received the biggest cheer of the game when the cameras showed the Arsenal man on the big screen.

#4 Aaron Ramsey’s looming future at the Emirates

Club Atletico de Madrid v Arsenal - International Champions Cup 2018
Will Aaron Ramsey sign a contract extension with the Gunners?

The 27-year-old midfielder has less than a year on his current deal with a contract extension yet to be confirmed. This has left fans on the edge wondering: will Arsenal lose him on a free transfer next summer?

Following the game on Thursday, new boss Unai Emery made it clear that Ramsey belongs in his plans for the new league campaign:

“I want him to stay with us, to work with us, to give the team big performances with his quality. I think he’s going to stay here with us.”

A potential captaincy is on the cards for Ramsey if he chooses to stay (although Emery wants five captains on his team) following former captain Per Mertesacker’s retirement at the end of the 2017-18 season.

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Edited by Raunak J