Arsenal defeat Munich in friendly

1860 Munich 1 Arsenal 3 (result)

Thierry Henry sent out a warning to Premiership defences on the eve of the new season with a hat-trick as Arsenal overcame a spirited 1860 Munich side in Innsbruck tonight.

The French striker, aiming to make up for his World Cup disappointment, looked to be back to his imperious best with a display which ultimately proved too much for the German defence.

The opening goal came in controversial circumstances however as, with a Munich player lying injured on the ground, Edu played the ball through to Dennis Bergkamp, who looked suspiciously offside.

The Dutchman drew keeper Simon Jentzsch before slipping the ball to the unmarked Henry who had the simple task of hitting the empty net.

The Germans were furious but had to wait until the 65th minute before exacting revenge - former Bristol City striker Paul Agostino heading home Harald Cerny’s excellent right wing cross.

Arsenal temporarily lost their composure and Premiership referees may have taken a sterner view of Patrick Vieira’s two-footed lunge on Marcus Weissenberger two minutes after the equaliser.

Vieira got a yellow card but it could have so easily been a red.

Agostino had a great chance to put the Bavarians ahead 10 minutes before the end but dragged his shot wide when faced by Arsenal new-boy Fabian Carini.

Arsene Wenger’s men finally woke from their slumber and sealed the win with two goals in the final eight minutes.

The English double winners went back in front when substitute Jeremie Aliadiere rounded an on-rushing Jentzsch, struck his shot against the post only for the ball to fall to Henry, who could not miss from three yards.

His hat-trick goal came three minutes from the end - Bergkamp crossing from the right and Henry lashed a volley past the keeper to complete a good night’s work.

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