Declan Rice debuts as Arsenal ease past MLS All-Stars in D.C.

Rice

Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard scored remarkable goals before half-time to spark Premier League power Arsenal to a 5-0 victory over the MLS All-Stars in the 2023 MLS All-Star Game in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.

Jorginho converted a penalty kick moments after the second half began for the Gunners, who are in their preseason preparations after finishing second in the English top flight during the 2022-23 season.

Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz added late goals as Arsenal inflicted the MLS All-Stars’ worst defeat in this format of the annual game. The Gunners also remained perfect in the event after winning 2-1 in the 2016 edition.

Trossard left the game in the 56th minute after he was down briefly because of an injury, though he walked off under his own power.

Declan Rice, Arsenal’s most expensive summer signing at £105 million, entered in the 65th minute in his first preseason appearance for the club.

The MLS All-Stars, coached by former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, were outshot 16-7 overall and 5-1 in efforts on target.

This was the first time the MLS stars had played a European club team in the game since 2019, after the 2021 and 2022 events were contested against a team of all-stars from Mexico’s Liga MX.

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