Kovač's Dortmund Stuns Arsenal at the Emirates
Niko Kovač's side triumphed 3-2 in London to lift the Emirates Cup, with young Karetsas scoring a memorable goal.
Niko Kovač's side triumphed 3-2 in London to lift the Emirates Cup, with young Karetsas scoring a memorable goal.
Borussia Dortmund, led by Croatian coach Niko Kovač, defeated Arsenal 3-2 in the Emirates Cup match at the Emirates Stadium in London. The game was played on Sunday as part of summer preparations, and the German side showed a remarkable attacking display against the current English champions.
Dortmund opened the match fantastically. As early as the seventh minute, 18-year-old Samuele Inácio put the visitors ahead. Just 22 minutes later, in the 29th minute, 18-year-old Konstantinos Karetsas doubled the lead with a stunning strike into the far top corner, making it 2-0 for the German side at halftime.
Mikel Arteta's team got back into the game early in the second half. Ethan Nwaneri pulled one back in the 54th minute, but the home fans' joy was short-lived. Just four minutes later, Joane Gadou restored Dortmund's two-goal cushion, making it 3-1. Arsenal didn't give up, and Viktor Gyökeres converted a penalty in the 69th minute to reduce the deficit to 3-2.
The thrilling encounter gained extra drama in the closing stages. Gabriel Martinelli scored in the third minute of stoppage time to make it 3-3, but his goal was disallowed after a VAR check for offside. Thus, Kovač's side held on for the win and lifted the Emirates Cup.
Despite the German side's victory in regular time, in accordance with the clubs' agreement before the match, penalties were taken after the game. In that additional shootout, the London side came out on top 5-4. Felix Nmecha posed with the Emirates Cup trophy after the match.
It was a very good test for Dortmund ahead of the new season. Arsenal will play one more friendly against Como before the season starts, while Borussia will face Roma before the German Supercup match against Bayern.
