AS Monaco put up a fight in their pre-season clash with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in England, perhaps surprising home supporters by holding on to a 1-1 draw until a narrow defeat on penalties saw the visitors leave without victory on Wednesday, August 2.
Debuting the new away black and gold kit, the visiting Monegasques started off strong by scoring the first goal of the friendly fixture. Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana made it 0-1 with a goal of his own at the 31st minute, only for the Gunners’ Eddie Nketiah to level the scoreline 12 minutes later.
Despite several substitutions over the course of the second half, and thanks to some masterclass goalkeeping from new Monaco goalie Philipp Kohn, a deciding goal was not found before the full-time whistle blew, signalling the ensuing penalties.
First up to the spot was Monaco’s Caio Henrique, who successfully found the back of the net, before Martin Odegaard found the equaliser for Arsenal again. Fofana followed up on his earlier goal with another one, this time beating Aaron Ramsdale to convert a penalty.
Jorginho made it a level 2-2 on penalties, before Krepin Diatta got the Principality side ahead again. Summer signing Kai Havertz did not let his new team down by scoring to make it 3-3 with a successful penalty, before Monaco’s Takumi Minamino shot was stopped by Ramsdale. This left Monaco one goal down as Fabio Viera made it 4-3. Kevin Volland managed to get one back by scoring, but defender Gabriel scored Arsenal’s fifth and final goal to bring the penalty scoreline to 5-4, and to win this surprisingly contested friendly match for the hosts.
A bold display sees the Monegasques leave the Emirates Stadium with their heads held high, as they look ahead to another tough opponent in the form of back to back Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich on Monday, August 7.
