Chuba Akpom scored a hat-trick as Arsenal began their pre-season campaign with a comfortable 4-0 win over Singapore selected XI in the Barclays Asia Trophy -BAT.

The 19-year-old Nigerian gave the Gunners a first-half lead against the Singapore XI and then rolled in a penalty before completing his an impressive hat-trick with a powerful header in Wednesday’s Barclay’s Asia Trophy semi-final.

Jack Wilshere also scored from the spot as Wenger’s men blew away the Asian side with an encouraging display at Singapore’s national stadium.

Arsenal will on Saturday face Everton in the final after the Merseysiders defeated Stoke City on penalties in Wednesday’s opening game.

Meanwhile, Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger has insisted that he won’t be sending Chuba Akpom on-loan in the coming season, saying that the youngster will be in his first-team plans in the coming season.

Akpom, who joined the Emirate side at age six has only made just four senior appearances for the club, but in February shunned interest from Premier League rivals to sign a new long-term contract with the Gunners.

Brief spells at Brentford, Coventry City and Nottingham Forest over the past two years have failed to provide the platform for Akpom to showcase his talent, but Wenger insists the young striker will soon be given a chance to shine at the Emirates Stadium.

“No, he won’t be going out on loan,” Wenger told reporters after Akpom’s Barclay’s Asia Trophy semi-final display. “I sent him out on loan last year because I thought he needed that.

“But this season no, I plan to keep him with us. It’s down to performance and attitude and he has the assets to be a big talent. And, after that, to be an efficient player week in week out, that’s the target.

“So it’s down to him. How much I don’t know. It’s encouragement to do well and work even harder. He’s a young player and it can lift confidence. The confidence you sense in the dressing room from other players is important as well.

“That can help you. But let’s not forget it’s a friendly. He’s a good talent but he has to work and show that in every game.”

Via: http://www.roughdiamondblog.com/2015/07/nigerian-arsenal-striker-chuba-akpom-scores-hat-trick-in-arsenals-preseason-opener/

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