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Arsenal’s preparations for the MLS All-Star match on Wednesday were in fine form as they prevailed in a series of skills challenges on Tuesday.
Ten members of the squad took part in the challenges, which were held at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. The challenges tested the players’ shooting, touch, passing, crossing, and volleying skills.
In the shooting challenge: Arsenal’s trio of Jurrien Timber, Folarin Balogun, and Jakub Kiwior took the honours by 121 to 88. Timber top scored with 50 points, and Kiwior was also impressive with his left foot, racking up 49 points to clinch the win.
In the touch challenge: Kai Havertz and Marquinhos were in action for Arsenal. Marquinhos went first, finishing off some deliveries from Trusty and Jorginho to score 53 points. Arsenal were behind going into the second round, but Havertz racked up 86 points to give them the win, 139-115.
In the volley challenge: Havertz was up again in the cross and volley challenge. Points were awarded depending on the type of finish for each goal, though the German failed to hit the target in the first round. Balogun found the net three times, but Denis Bouanga was in fine form against Alex Runarsson to pull the All-Stars back to 2-1 after three challenges.
In the passing challenge: Arsenal’s Trusty missed out in round one, but Jorginho levelled matters by winning his head-to-head against Riqui Puig. Kiwior then confirmed the win with a quickfire display of accurate passing.
The score going into the final challenge was 3-1 to Arsenal, but with each crossbar hit worth a point, it was all up for grabs. Seven players on each side were involved, aiming at the woodwork from the edge of the box, then midway inside the half.
The All-Stars pulled it back to 5-5, meaning it was all on the long-range efforts. Aaron Ramsdale came agonisingly close before Trusty stepped up and thudded his effort against the bar to seal a 6-5 win.
Overall, it was a positive day for Arsenal in the skills challenges. They showed good technical ability and teamwork, and they will be looking to carry that form into the All-Star match on Wednesday.
