Arsenal have secured their place in the final of the Premier League Asia Trophy courtesy of a 4-0 victory over a Singha All Star XI, thanks in part to Chuba Akpom, who netted a hat-trick for the North Londoners.
The England youth international, who is yet to score a senior goal for the Gunners, broke the deadlock in the first half, before he went on to score two more goals within the space of three second-half minutes.
His impact in the 30th minute was the only major talking point prior to the interval when he pounced on a loose ball to power a low shot beyond the reach Izwan Mahbud in the home goal.
Arsenal found goalscoring opportunities easier to come by after the restart, and once Alex Iwobi had failed to hit the target with two attempts in quick succession, Jack Wilshere made it 2-0 on the hour mark.
Sirina Camara was adjudged to have tripped Arsenal full-back Mathieu Debuchy inside the area, and the England midfielder made no mistake with the resultant spot kick.
Arsene Wenger's men were awarded another penalty 16 minutes later when Mahbud brought down substitute Jon Toral. On this occasion Akpom stepped up to convert the chance from 12 yards.
Then, in the 79th minute, the 19-year-old completed his hat-trick and the scoring when he headed Hector Bellerin's cross from the right flank into the back of the net.
The FA Cup holders will now take on Everton in the final of the competition this Saturday after the Toffees defeated Stoke City 5-4 on penalties earlier today.
Liam Apicella
