Arsenal kicked off their Dallas Cup SuperGroup campaign in style this morning, coming from behind to thrash The Dallas Texans 5-1. Goals from Conor Henderson, Roarie Deacon, Luke Freeman and a brace from Josh Rees sealed the win.

Neil Banfield’s boys came into the game knowing Club Bolivar had beaten Chorrillo FC 2-1 in Bracket A, so a three goal margin would put them top. However, Corinthians and Barcelona had been beaten by American sides earlier in the day, so the Gunners knew they faced an up hill task.

ARSENAL: Martínez; Hajrovic, Boateng, Monterio, Bihmoutine; Frimpong, Ebecilio; Deacon, Özyakup, Henderson; Freeman

The Dallas Texans promised they would mean business this week, and followed that mandate straight from the off set. A slick team move saw Douglas find space on the edge of the box, but his volley ended up inches wide.

As Arsenal struggled to get into the game, the hosts kicked on. A hopeful ball over the top caused panic in the back line, leading to Martínez coming racing out of his goal. He got nowhere near the ball, and clattered into Richardson. Despite the huge protests from the crowd, no penalty was given.

The Texans would have their revenge shortly after, though. Arsenal failed to deal with a simple free-kick, and Eduardo Aranda was on hand to turn home from close range. 1-0, and thoroughly deserved.

It could have been more just minutes later, when a long throw was lashed just wide by Aranda, before Richardson smacked the bar with a neat volley. Özyakup then looked to respond with a rare Arsenal chance, but his free-kick hit the wall and was easily cleared.

Arsenal won another just before half time, but this time Henderson stepped up to take it. He curled the ball expertly, and despite a deflection, it flew into the net. 1-1 and the Gunners had a foot hold to build on.

Freeman showed off Arsenal’s growing confidence with a flick header that went just wide in first half stoppage time, before an injection of quality saw the visitors take the lead. Özyakup’s delightful through ball found Deacon, and as the ‘keeper rushed out, he finished well to put the Gunners in front at the break. 2-1.

Banfield rotated at half time, bringing on George Brislen-Hall in place of Bihmoutine. It may have a been a tactical change to combat the attacking threat of Richardson, but his second half only lasted a matter of minutes, as the Texan forward was dismissed for a second yellow card.

Arsenal pressed home their advantage, and all but sealed the win when Freeman bundled home Özyakup’s corner, after a shot from Ebecilio. 3-1, and no way back for The Texans.

Frimpong came off shortly after, with the Ghanaian looking a little tired in the midfield. Josh Rees replaced him, and he added the icing to the cake in the closing stages, with a delightful header to make it 4-1. He followed that up with another shortly after, finishing a fine through ball, for what proved to be the final meaningful action of the game.

The full time whistle brought to an end a super start to Arsenal’s Dallas Cup challenge. The young Gunners recovered well after going behind, and will surely face easier challenges ahead in Chorrillo and Club Bolivar.