LONDON, August 3 – Teen star Jack Wilshere bagged a brace of goals Sunday as Arsenal saw off Scottish champions Rangers 3-0 to lift the Emirates Cup.
The 17-year-old scored the opener after just two minutes and the "baby gunner" repeated the dose after Croatian international Eduardo had netted the second in the 11th minute.
Earlier, Atletico Madrid and Paris St Germain, beaten by Rangers the previous day, parted 1-1 with Maradona’s son-in-law Sergio Aguero netting for the Spaniards from the spot four minutes before the break after he was fouled by Albert Baning before Ludovic Giuly levelled on 71 minutes.
Not such good news for coach Arsene Wenger was having to withdraw French veteran William Gallas at the break after he took a knock to his right knee.
Manuel Almunia appeared back in goal for Arsenal, replacing Vito Mannone, while Rangers fielded Steven Naismith, who once had a trial at Arsenal.
Another fledgling Gunner to catch the eye was Fran Merida, once on Barcelona’s books and who adroitly set up Eduardo’s goal.
Rangers had an early chance when Nacho Novo broke down the right, crossing towards Naismith, with Alex Song making an important block on the loose ball at the far post.
At the other end, Andrey Arshavin was just off target following good work from Spanish star Cesc Fabregas.
Arsenal rang the changes on the hour with the two early goals having effectively ended the contest with Arshavin giving way to Nicklas Bendtner while FA Youth Cup winner Sanchez Watt replaced Eduardo.
Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey then replaced Merida.
Watt and Ramsay then combined to find Wilshere at the far post for his clincher.
Fit-again Czech Tomas Rosicky replaced Fabregas in the closing stages as Arsenal cruised to victory.
