Akpom strikes as Arsenal down MLS All-Stars

San Francisco (AFP) – Chuba Akpom scored a late winner as English giants Arsenal defeated the Major League Soccer All-Stars 2-1 in San Jose.

England Under-21 striker Akpom pounced three minutes from time at the Avaya Stadium as the Premier League side snatched victory in an entertaining game.

Akpom tapped in from close range after neat interplay saw Spaniard Nacho Monreal go clear down the left before squaring for his young teammate.

“I’m really happy to come on and score the winning goal,” Akpom said. 

“It’s a friendly but we take it seriously and we wanted to win.”

Akpom, 20, is hoping to establish himself in Arsenal’s first team squad this season and impressed during his appearance as substitute on a warm night in northern California.

His winner came after Joel Campbell had fired Arsenal into the lead with an 11th-minute penalty.

That goal was cancelled out as the MLS All Stars leveled through former Chelsea star Didier Drogba on the stroke of half-time.

Drogba, who now plays for Montreal Impact, tucked away his finish past former Blues teammate Petr Cech to extend his remarkable scoring feat against Arsenal.

The 38-year-old Ivory Coast legend has now scored 16 goals in 16 appearances against Arsenal during his career.