Successful Debut for Declan Rice as Arsenal Cruise Past MLS All-Stars in D.C.
In an impressive display of skill and dominance, Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard secured stunning goals just before half-time, propelling Premier League powerhouse Arsenal to a resounding 5-0 victory over the MLS All-Stars in the 2023 MLS All-Star Game held in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday.
The second half began with Jorginho confidently converting a penalty kick for the Gunners, who were in their preseason preparations following a second-place finish in the English top flight during the 2022-23 season.
Late in the game, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz added to the MLS All-Stars’ misery, contributing to their worst defeat in this format of the annual event. Arsenal remained undefeated in the All-Star Game after their victory in the 2016 edition.
Unfortunately, Trossard had to leave the match in the 56th minute due to a brief injury, but he walked off the field under his own power.
In a much-awaited appearance, Arsenal’s most expensive summer signing, Declan Rice, made his preseason debut for the club in the 65th minute.
Coached by former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, the MLS All-Stars found themselves outmatched, with a total of 16 shots compared to Arsenal’s 7, and only 1 shot on target against the Gunners’ 5.
It was a special occasion as the MLS All-Stars faced a European club team for the first time since 2019, with the previous two events being contested against all-star teams from Mexico’s Liga MX.
Notably, Lionel Messi, the newly signed player for Inter Miami CF, did not participate in the MLS All-Star game. Instead, he trained with Miami on Tuesday, adding excitement to his new venture.
The match’s early momentum favored Arsenal, as they quickly took the lead with a brilliant attacking sequence. Despite the MLS All-Stars’ efforts to thwart the danger when Bukayo Saka was dispossessed inside the penalty area, Gabriel Jesus capitalized on the opportunity, delivering an audacious first-time chip with his right foot that soared over St. Louis City FC goalkeeper Roman Burki and found the back of the net in the fifth minute.
Leandro Trossard followed suit with an equally remarkable goal 18 minutes later. With Saka involved again, he powered down the right side and played a well-placed pass to Trossard near the penalty arc. Trossard cleverly evaded his marker, the Philadelphia Union’s Jose Martinez, and unleashed a right-footed strike that beat Burki’s dive, finding the top right corner of the net.
Overall, it was a commanding performance by Arsenal, leaving a lasting impression and securing their place as an unstoppable force in the MLS All-Star Game.