Arsenal scraped past Bournemouth in their first match in USA pre-season tour, MySportDab reports.
The two Premier League sides locked horns in what was expected to be an easy tie for a star-studded Arsenal side. The Gunners did exert their dominance in the game but Bournemouth weren’t an easy opponent to break.
A heady start saw the Gunners get the better of their Cherries quickly. Fabio Vieira fired the London outfit into the lead in the 18th minutes.
A series of clearcut chances still came for the Arteta-led side but failed to convert them. However, Vieira’s early goal was enough to hand put them in front till the end of the first half.
Bournemouth stepped up proceedings in the second half but it was still a far cry for the Cherries, looking to find an equaliser. Arsenal still had a commanding control of the match going forward but could not add to the lead.
12 minutes before regulation time, the Gunners were dealt a blow against the run of play. Bournemouth latched on a rare chance and converted it spotlessly, thanks to a superb effort by Semenyo.
Pegged back to a 1-1 draw, Arsenal attempted to mount a comeback and retake the lead but Bournemouth were equal to the task.
Semenyo’s goal was enough to tie the game at the end of regulation time, forcing it into penalties. Arsenal came out lucky on the spot, winning 5-4 to get off to a winning start in the mini pre-season tournament.
The London oufit will hope to continue on the winning lanes as the play other slated fixtures on the tour.
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