Arsenal head coach Arsene Wenger has explained his choice of Nigerian duo Alex Iwobi and Chuba Akpom as striking partners in Thursday’s friendly game against the MLS All-Stars.

A late Chuba Akpom goal gave Arsenal victory in an entertaining MLS All-Star match that looked to be heading to penalties after Didier Drogba – so often the scourge of Arsenal in the past – had equalized Joel Campbell’s penalty on the stroke of half-time.

Wenger spoke to the media after his beat an MLS All-Stars team in San Jose on Friday and when quizzed on why he played the duo who are both products of the Arsenal Academy, Wenger said: “At the moment, I do not have too many attacking options.

“Let’s not forget that there are still a few players at home, and that a few players didn’t play today, like Cazorla.

Akpom, who replaced Theo Walcott up front in the second half, turned home from close range to give the Gunners the spoils as he hopes to earn loan spells and stake claims to a senior team shirt at the Emirates.

Akpom and Iwobi have now starred in every pre-season fixture so far played by Wenger’s Arsenal. Both stars were on parade for the Gunners when they came from behind to secure a draw against French side Lens.