Israel Saria
Eurosport
Arsenal started the annual Amsterdam tournament with a bang after beating hosts Ajax 3-2 thanks to a brace from Emmanuel Adebayor.
The Gunners came from two goals behind, as spectacular strikes from Luis Suarez and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar put the Dutch side 2-0 up at the break.
After an even opening half hour, the first goal was scored on 34 minutes when Kolo Toure – returning from a bout of malaria – headed the ball into the path of Uruguayan Suarez, who sent a sweet, first-time volley past Manuel Almunia.
It was a goal reminiscent of those scored by new Ajax boss Marco van Basten in his playing days, in what was his first home match in charge.
Huntelaar – who has been linked with Arsenal – doubled the lead 90 seconds later with a first-time half-volley from the edge of the box, but Arsenal were more aggressive in the second half and deserved the win.
After 20 minutes of pressure, the Gunners pulled one back when Adebayor powerfully headed in a superb cross from Emmanuel Eboue.
Niklas Bendtner equalised with a simple finish from the edge of the box, while Adebayor sealed the win with seven minutes remaining after good work from Denilson.
Liverpool, meanwhile, needed a late goal by Andriy Voronin to give them a 1-0 win over Serie A side Lazio.
He finished from Jay Spearing’s pass as the game headed for a draw.
Middlesbrough hammered Dutch side Sparta Rotterdam 6-1 in their friendly match in the Netherlands.
Afonso Alves scored twice in the win, with Stewart Downing, Jeremie Aliadiere, Rhys Williams and Josh Walker also netting for Boro.
Premier League new-boys Stoke battled to an entertaining 2-2 draw at home to Liga side Osasuna.
Rory Delap put the Potters ahead on 22 minutes before former Birmingham striker Walter Pandiani equalised five minutes later.
Delap restored the home side’s lead just after the second-half restart, but Iran midfielder Javad Nekounam scored a late leveller for the Spanish team.
Ten-man Bolton slumped to a 1-0 defeat at Greece’s AEK Athens.
Rivaldo missed a penalty for AEK on 11 minutes but they went ahead soon afterwards through Finnish midfielder Perparim Hetemaj.
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