Gunners end Asia tour with draw

29 July 2012 12:47

Theo Walcott and Thomas Eisfeld were on target as the Gunners twice came from behind to salvage a 2-2 draw in Sunday's friendly against Hong Kong champions Kitchee.

The Gunners fell behind to goals from Yago and Dani Cancela but battled back on each occasion as their three-match Asia tour brought a win, a defeat and a draw.

Ignasi Miquel's error gifted the opening goal to Yago in the eighth minute, but Walcott levelled midway through the first half.

Abou Diaby was the provider, dispossessing Huang Yang in midfield and picking out the England winger, who slotted past goalkeeper Wang Zhenpeng.

Kitchee almost retook the lead with an audacious free-kick routine two minutes later, when Jordi Tarres chipped the ball over the wall and Dani Cancela was just off target with an overhead kick.

However, more poor defending handed them a second goal in the 29th minute as Yago was allowed to set up Cheng Siu Waii. His acrobatic effort was saved by Wojciech Szczesny but Dani Cancela followed in to score.

Arsenal's young forward Benik Afobe had chances either side of half-time, but hit the post with his first effort and then put a header over the bar from a good position.

But the equaliser came in the 77th minute when Gervinho surged down the left and cut the ball back to the penalty spot, where Eisfeld arrived to stroke home his second goal of pre-season.

Gervinho almost grabbed a late winner, but his backheeled flick was saved by the legs of Wang.

Source: PA