Arsenal were the winners of the Emirates Cup on Sunday but it didn’t feel like a victory – mainly because it wasn’t.
The Gunners won the four-team tournament despite having just lost 2-1 to Sevilla, who in contrast won their two games.
It was because of bizarre rules that see points awarded for every goal scored. Because the Gunners won their first match against Benfica 5-2 they managed to beat Sevilla to the title.
While the strange format meant Arsenal won the competition, it also led to some very awkward scenes after the match.
Club captain Per Mertesacker was handed the trophy in a presentation out on the pitch with his team-mates gathered behind him.
But rather than the usually jubilant scenes that come with being handed silverware the entire team was incredibly muted. Mertesacker in particular struggled to force a smile despite the enthusiasm of the stadium announcer, children cheering in the crowd and fireworks being set off around him.