Arsenal stars look baffled as Martin Odegaard is presented with trophy he doesn’t even bother to lift
ARSENAL stars were left looking baffled as they were presented with a trophy following their pre-season opener against AC Milan.
The Gunners were in action in Singapore on Wednesday and won the clash 1-0 thanks to a Bukayo Saka strike.
They then lost the mandatory shoot-out despite three saves from Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The match took place at the 55,000-seat Singapore National Stadium in Kallang, which was less than half full.
And fans were treated to a trophy ceremony for the Tridentity Cup following the game.
However, much like the game itself, it ended up being very subdued.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard was presented with the trophy and posed for a picture.
He then took the silverware with him as he went to stand over with his team-mates.
Many fans would have then expected him to lift it to keep up appearances, despite the relative lack of prestige behind the pre-season gong.
But instead, the 26-year-old simply placed the trophy on the ground and bent down to get closer to it for pictures to be taken as team-mates crowded around.
After a couple of seconds, the team then dispersed.
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Arsenal’s next pre-season game will come against Newcastle at the same venue on Sunday.
They are set to be bolstered by new signing Cristhian Mosquera, after the defender travelled to join the team despite his transfer from Valencia not yet being announced.
Noni Madueke will join the team after a period of rest following his participation in the Club World Cup with Chelsea.
Meanwhile, with the move for Viktor Gyokeres all but agreed he is also expected to join the club in Singapore after his £63.5million switch from Sporting Lisbon.
Arteta played his cards close to his chest when asked about his imminent new ace but was hopeful the other new faces at the club would join them soon.
He said: “I cannot comment on any player who is not part of our group yet. When we have something concrete to offer, we will do that…
“There are a lot of parties and things that we have to bear in mind to get a player over the line and here. I’m very hopeful that we are going to do it very soon.
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“There’s still a long time in the window and we are seeking still, in terms of numbers.
“We are short and we have to improve the depth and quality of the squad. We are constantly looking in the market.
“Ideally you want it from day one in pre-season. We have done very well so far, I’m very pleased with how the club has supported the improvements that we required in the team.
“[Sporting director] Andrea [Berta] and the team have done an excellent job trying to push everything forward.
“You see the club ownership and the ambition we have, the alignment we have. There is excitement about the new season.
“There’s a long time to go in the window but we still have hopes we can improve the team and we will continue to try and do that.
“Until that happens, focus on the players we have and focus on them.”