Arsenal won the Emirates Cup on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw with AS Monaco on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at Emirates Stadium in London. The final pre-season showdown drew 50,000 fans, and ended not with a dramatic late goal, but with the cold precision of a penalty shootout — Gabriel Magalhães stepping up to bury the decisive spot-kick at 97'. For a club that finished as Premier League runners-up last season, this wasn't just a trophy — it was a statement. A quiet, confident one. The kind that says: we’re ready.
From Monaco’s Lead to Nketiah’s Equalizer
It’s not often you see a pre-season final this electric. AS Monaco, the French Ligue 1 side with Champions League pedigree, came out sharp. Youssouf Fofana, their dynamic midfielder, pounced in the 31st minute after a slick counterattack, sliding the ball past Aaron Ramsdale. The Rouge et Blanc had stunned the home crowd. But Arsenal, never flustered, responded with poise. Edward Kizza Nketiah — the club’s long-serving striker who’s battled injuries and competition for years — equalized in the 43rd minute, finishing calmly after a clever layoff from Emile Smith Rowe. The half ended 1-1, with William Saliba already on a yellow card for a late challenge. The script could’ve been written for a cup final in May, not August.The Penalty Drama: Precision Over Panic
No extra time. Just straight to penalties. A rule that’s always divisive — but on this night, it delivered. Arsenal’s sequence was flawless. Martin Ødegaard opened with ice in his veins. Jorginho, the Italian midfield maestro, made it 2-0. Kai Havertz, under pressure, tucked it away. Fabio Vieira, the Portuguese playmaker who’s been linked with moves abroad, held his nerve. Then came Gabriel Magalhães. The Brazilian center-back, known for his physicality, not his finesse, stepped up. He didn’t scream. Didn’t dance. Just struck it low and hard into the bottom right. The stadium exploded. Monaco’s takers — Fofana, Krépin Diatta, Takumi Minamino, Kevin Volland — had all converted until the final one. The shootout ended 5-4. No drama. No fluke. Just execution.Numbers That Tell the Real Story
The stats paint a picture of a tightly contested, evenly matched game. Arsenal held 53% possession, but Monaco’s 47% felt more dangerous. Both teams had 11 fouls. Arsenal had 11 shots (5 on target), Monaco 9 (4 on target). Nine corners to four. Tackle success? Arsenal at 81.8%, Monaco at 66.7%. Passing accuracy? 86.6% for the Gunners, 84.4% for Monaco. Even the saves were identical: four each. The real difference? Composure under pressure. And that’s what separates champions from contenders.
Lineups and Substitutions: A Test of Depth
Arsenal’s starting XI featured a blend of experience and youth: Ramsdale in goal, Saliba and Kiwior anchoring the backline, Rice and Partey in midfield, with Smith Rowe and Vieira pulling the strings. Nketiah led the line. Subs like Bukayo Saka and Matt Turner were held back — a sign this was about testing the squad, not just winning. Monaco’s lineup, while not fully documented, included Caio Henrique and Minamino, both players with Premier League experience. Their manager clearly treated this as a serious dress rehearsal. And they proved it.What This Means for Both Clubs
For Arsenal, this win capped a pre-season that included wins over Rangers and AC Milan. It wasn’t about the trophy — it was about rhythm. The defense looked solid. The midfield controlled tempo. And Nketiah? He’s now scored in every pre-season fixture this summer. That’s confidence. The Gunners open the Premier League season against Fulham on August 12. This result gave them momentum — and a reminder: they’re built for a title challenge. For Monaco, it was a moral victory. They led an English top-four side, held their own, and nearly stole the cup. Their 2023-24 campaign would later see them finish second in Ligue 1 with 67 points, qualifying for the Champions League. This match was a blueprint: fast transitions, intelligent pressing, clinical finishing when it mattered. They didn’t lose. They just ran into a better team on the day.
Why the Emirates Cup Still Matters
Some call it a glorified friendly. But look closer. Since its inception in 2007, the Emirates Cup has been Arsenal’s annual pre-season litmus test. Past winners include Barcelona, AC Milan, and Bayern Munich. It’s not just about the trophy — it’s about preparation. The atmosphere, the pressure, the crowd. For young players like Myles Lewis-Skelly, making his first start, it’s invaluable. For veterans like Ødegaard, it’s a chance to reassert leadership. And for fans? It’s the first taste of the season. A reminder: football’s back.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Gabriel Magalhães perform in the penalty shootout compared to his usual role?
Gabriel Magalhães, primarily known for his physical defending and aerial dominance, showed surprising composure in the shootout. He was the fifth and final taker for Arsenal, converting the decisive penalty with a low, powerful strike to the bottom right. His calmness under pressure stood out — especially since he’s rarely the first choice for set pieces. This moment may signal his growing confidence in high-stakes moments.
Why didn’t Arsenal play their key stars like Saka and Martinelli for the full match?
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta used the match to rotate his squad, giving playing time to fringe players like Myles Lewis-Skelly and Karl Hein. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli were subbed on late, suggesting they were being managed ahead of the Premier League opener. This is standard pre-season strategy — protecting stars from injury while testing depth and chemistry.
What does AS Monaco’s performance suggest about their 2023-24 season prospects?
Monaco’s performance against Arsenal — leading a top English side, matching them statistically, and forcing penalties — confirmed their title-challenging credentials. They finished second in Ligue 1 with 67 points, scored 68 goals, and qualified for the Champions League. This match was a microcosm of their season: technically sharp, tactically disciplined, and capable of beating elite opposition on their day.
Was the Emirates Cup officially recognized as a competitive trophy?
Yes, the Emirates Cup is an official pre-season tournament organized by Arsenal, with standings and a winner awarded. While it doesn’t carry European qualification or league points, it’s recognized by UEFA as a sanctioned friendly competition. Winning it boosts morale, provides match sharpness, and is a proud moment for the club’s history — Arsenal have now won it seven times since 2007.
How did the attendance compare to previous Emirates Cup finals?
The 50,000 attendance was among the highest in recent years, matching the 2019 final against Napoli. It reflects Arsenal’s global fanbase and the appeal of facing a high-profile European club like Monaco. In contrast, some past editions drew under 30,000, particularly during the pandemic years. This turnout signaled strong fan enthusiasm heading into the 2023-24 campaign.
What’s next for Arsenal after this win?
Arsenal’s next official fixture is their Premier League opener against Fulham at Emirates Stadium on August 12, 2023. The club’s focus now shifts to squad integration, fitness peaks, and tactical refinement. With a full squad available and confidence high after the shootout win, expectations are rising — especially after last season’s runner-up finish. The Emirates Cup wasn’t the goal. It was the launchpad.