Arsenal blew a two-goal lead and face more questions about their defensive frailties ahead of the new season after Boca Juniors battled to a 2-2 draw in the Emirates Cup on Saturday afternoon.
Arsenal showed little sign of missing Cesc Fabregas as summer signing Gervinho impressed to set up Robin van Persie for the opening goal on 27 minutes, with Aaron Ramsey doubling the lead at the start of the second half.
However, the Gunners once again hit the self-destruct button at the back as mistakes from Sebastien Squillaci and Johan Djourou were punished when the Argentinian side struck twice in four minutes.
While Wenger still has time to put things right before the action kicks off for real at Newcastle in a fortnight’s time, Gunners fans will be hoping that comes via the arrival of a new centre-half – with Everton’s Phil Jagielka a target – rather than relying on his current backline not to make the same mistakes again.
Ivory Coast forward Gervinho had impressed on his first Arsenal appearance, scoring twice in Cologne last weekend, and along with fellow new arrival defender Carl Jenkinson was named in a starting XI which also featured fit-again goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski and contract rebel Samir Nasri, yet to sign a new deal.
The hosts made the breakthrough on the half hour, Gervinho the provider. The £11million forward got away down the left flank and crossed for van Persie, who slotted home at the near post.
Arsenal extended their lead straight after kick-off in the second half when substitute Ramsey drilled home from 20 yards after a penetrating run from Carlos Vela.
But on 68 minutes Lucas Viatri riffled the ball into the top corner after Juan Riquelme had robbed Squillaci.
Another defensive blunder allowed Boca Juniors to equalise when Djourou fell over a ball into the Arsenal penalty area and Pablo Mouche swept home.
Arsenal face New York Red Bulls on Sunday, with Thierry Henry’s side having beaten Paris St Germain 1-0 earlier in the day.
Copyright (c) PA Sport 2009, All Rights Reserved.
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