Super Eagles forward Alex Iwobi was on parade Saturday as Arsenal hammered PSG 5-1 in an International Champions Cup in Singapore.
The Emirates stars shot into the lead as early as the 13th minute thanks to Mesut Ozil who only recently quit Germany national team in controversial circumstances. The lead did not however last as it was cancelled out when Sead Kolasinac fouled Timothy Weah and Christopher Nkunku brought the French side level.
Arsenal took over from that point as Alexandre Lacazette bagged a brace in the encounter with two other goals coming from Rob Holding and Eddie Nketiah. Although Iwobi did not score, the Nigerian was in superlative form providing the needed assistance that produced the needed result.
Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah struck within four minutes to put Arsenal in control before a looping Rob Holding header from 18 yards out and a second from Nketiah added gloss to the victory just before full-time.
It was one of several times that Arsenal tore the French champions apart on the counter. Iwobi flitted dangerously down the left. Ozil attacked the box with force. Aubameyang’s movement was too much for a rookie backline to keep up with.
However the experience of Buffon was not so easily overcome. Twice he saved low from the Gabon striker to ensure that the deficit was a manageable one goal at the interval.
PSG’s youngsters ensured the customary drop in intensity that comes with the second half of a pre-season friendly was delayed at least momentarily as they looked to make an impression on new head coach Tuchel.
Brazil international and PSG forward Neymar was however not named in Saturday’s tie.