The Premier League team didn’t hold back, thrashing the MLS stars 5-0 in the All Star Game, with Mikel Arteta’s new boy Havertz on the scoresheet.
Luis Guillermo Vázquezluis_lgazulCalum RocheEnglish_ASUpdate: Jul 20th, 2023 03:29 EDT
STEFANI REYNOLDSAFP
It was a party for the United States, still with the frenzy caused by the arrival of a certain Lionel Messi. Major League Soccer celebrates its new superstar, however, the league’s All Star team found a serious opponent visiting from the Premier League.
MLS All Stars outgunned
Critics of the North American league always point out how poorly they defend, and Bukayo Saka was in charge of exhibiting those shortcomings on two occasions. The first was a rebound that ended at the feet of Gabriel Jesús and as they tried to get up from that blow, once again Saka took advantage of the weakness in the back line hitting a pass to Leandro Trossard all alone, who beat the St. Louis goalkeeper.
Our @BukayoSaka87, All-Star MVP ❤️ pic.twitter.com/9YDHylxbD3
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 20, 2023
The dominance of Mikel Arteta’s men forced Wayne Rooney to make several changes. Six were made by the Manchester United legend, who did not want to be embarrassed, even in a glorified friendly, to an old rival.
Havertz silences critics
The start of the second half couldn’t have been worse for the MLS stars. After a clearance, the ball hit Tim Parker on the hand and the referee did not hesitate to point to the spot. Jorginho made no mistake.
As multiple substitutions were brought on, the pace of the occasion slowed but goals were still to come. Gabriel Martinelli added a fourth and then the moment the Gunners fans were hoping for.
After becoming the first player in history to not score a single goal in the MLS All-Star Cross and Volley challenge, Kai Havertz responded by scoring his first Arsenal goal from a cross with a volley 🥶⚽️ pic.twitter.com/YAgv1Apjod
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) July 20, 2023