Malaysia XI 1-2 Arsenal: Late Show from Youngsters Leads Gunners to Victory

Substitutes Thomas Eisfeld and Chuks Aneke found the net in the last three minutes to give Arsenal a 2-1 win in their pre-season friendly against a Malaysia XI in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.

The Gunners were pushed all the way in their first game of the Asia tour as the Premier League outfit trailed over 86 minutes during the match.

Arsenal started with Thomas Vermaelen as the captain since Robin Van Persie is unavailable for the tour, while Abou Diaby returned to the side after an injury-hit season. The match started at a startling pace, with Arsene Wenger's side expectedly keeping most of the possession. Marouane Chamakh, entrusted with the role of a lone striker, found himself in yards of space as early as in the 9th minute but the Moroccan volleyed straight to the keeper Farizal Marlias. Arsenal's best chance of the half came through Andres Santos just after the half-hour mark, when the Brazilian got the better of a Malaysian defender in the penalty box, but his shot could only find the keeper.

Having weathered the initial storm, the Malaysian team gradually gained confidence and had a few shots to show for their own. Goalkeeper Vito Mannone, back from loan at Hull City, made a couple of smart saves for the Gunners, but was helpless when defender Azmi Muslim netted a 30-yard scorcher past him.

Wenger tried to alter his side's fortunes during the break by bringing in 10 new outfield players to his line-up, which included the introduction of England internationals Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The second half started in the same manner as the first with Arsenal dominating the proceedings but the Malaysian defence stood firm. Benik Afobe had a good chance which was ruled out offside, while Chamberlain showed some superb individual skill, when he cut through the Malaysian defence in the 66th minute.

Arsenal continued to dominate possession, but the home side appeared to have done enough to claim a huge upset. However, with three minutes remaining, right-back Nico Yennaris cut the ball back for Thomas Eisfeld - a deadline day signing from Borussia Dortmund in January - who slotted the ball into net.

Deep into stoppage the Gunners found the winner when Chuks Aneke's low strike from the edge of the area deflected into the net.

Arsenal, play their next game against Manchester City on the 27 July at the Bird's Nest stadium in Beijing.

Other results:

LA Galaxy 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur

Colorado Rapids 2-1 Swansea City

Columbus Crew 2-1 Stoke City

Portland Timbers 2-2 Aston Villa (Villa win 5-4 on pens)