Sports

Havertz scores, Rice debuts as Arsenal thrash MLS All-Stars 5-0

Germany forward, Kai Havertz, scored his first Arsenal goal as Mikel Arteta’s side thrashed the MLS All Stars 5-0 in Washington D.C., the United States, in the early hours of Thursday.

Havertz, one day after being widely ridiculed on social media for a poor performance in the MLS All-Stars Skills Challenge, rounded off the scoring late on with the last of the five goals.

Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard got the ball rolling for Arsenal with two long-range strikes in a first half that saw five yellow cards for the MLS All-Stars.

More ill-discipline came 13 seconds into the second half as Arsenal were awarded a penalty after Jesus forced a handball. Jorginho was on hand to coolly slot home the spot-kick.

Arteta brought on Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber for their Arsenal debuts on 65 minutes, but there was also second-half injury concern as Trossard was withdrawn with a knock.

His replacement, Gabriel Martinelli, netted a fourth after being played through by fellow substitute Martin Odegaard.

Havertz later put in a fifth via a fine finish at the back post from Marquinhos’ cross.

Arsenal’s next pre-season game takes place on Saturday, with Arteta’s side playing Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United in New Jersey.

Speaking after the game, Arteta said: “They are settling in and we have to find that fluidity within the game, and those relationships. That’s something that is difficult to predict as a coach what’s going to work, but sometimes whether it’s on the pitch or sitting at the table, they find that chemistry between them.

“Especially, in the first half, the way we started, we were a bit suffocated with the weather, and we started to give too many simple balls away, and we could not really control the game.

“But it was true that we were exceptional in both boxes today; every time we were in the final third in good positions, we put the ball in the back of the net, and we have to defend moments in those transitions when we give the ball away. I think we defended really well as well.

“Havertz gives us something very different with his quality and size. When you have to beat the press for example and use him as a target man.

“So, we will see – for now, he’s playing in the attacking-midfield position, but I’m sure throughout the season and throughout games as well, we’re going to have the options to play him in different positions.”

The Star