Chuba Akpom scored an 87th-minute winner as Arsenal recorded a 2-1 win over the MLS All-Stars on Thursday night.

It appeared that the pre-season clash was heading for penalties after Didier Drogba cancelled out a Joel Campbell penalty, but Akpom netted three minutes from time to ensure that the Gunners triumphed at the Avaya Stadium.

MLS All-Stars included Andrea Pirlo, David Villa, Kaka, Giovani dos Santos and Drogba in their lineup, while there was a debut at the heart of the Arsenal defence for Rob Holding.

The Premier League outfit took an 11th-minute lead from the penalty spot after Campbell, having been fouled inside the box, rose to his feet to slot the ball past Andre Blake.

The home side were level on the stroke of the interval, however, when former Chelsea striker Drogba netted at the third time of asking having seen his initial attempts kept out by Petr Cech and Holding.

Both sides made a raft of changes in the second period and one of those that entered decided the match as Akpom converted a low Nacho Monreal cross to record a 2-1 victory for Arsene Wenger's side, who complete their USA tour against Chivas in Los Angeles on Sunday.