Arsenal wins fourth Emirates Cup title

Theo Walcott scored the only goal of the game as Arsenal beat Wolfsburg 1-0 to clinch the Emirates Cup in North London on Sunday.

The England international put contract negotiations to one side for the time being by poking home the winner on 50 minutes to seal the Gunners’ fourth title – and first since 2010.

It was a familiar face in Nicklas Bendtner that almost saw the Germans move ahead, but the Dane – who spent nine years with Arsenal – miscued his volley on 15 minutes.

Preferred to Olivier Giroud up front, Walcott spurned a couple of good opportunities midway through the half, before seeing his goal correctly ruled out for offside.

At the other end, Wolfsburg continued to look dangerous, with Bendtner and Timm Klose going close as the visitors finished the half on top.

Five minutes after the break, the hosts drew first blood as Walcott latched on to a neat ball from youngster Jeff Reine-Adelaide – described as “special” by Arsene Wenger yesterday – before poking past Diego Benaglio.

Unperturbed, Dieter Hecking’s side continued in the same vein and spurned a good chance to provide a swift riposte through Kevin de Bruyne.

The reported Manchester City picked Mikel Arteta’s pocket before advancing toward goal and lashing well over from outside the box.

On 62 minutes, Cech was forced to beat away Josuha Guilavogui’s first-time effort, while at the other end Aaron Ramsey saw his audacious lob drop narrowly wide of the post.

Wenger’s side finished the clash on top as Chuba Akpom and Santi Cazorla both forced into Benaglio into smart saves in the final quarter as Walcott’s goal proved enough.

The North Londoners finished second to Spanish outfit Valencia in the Emirates Cup last season, with Galatasaray and New York Red Bulls also winning it in recent years.