Lucas Torreira takes energy gel on field against Man Utd (Photos)

Lucas Torreira needed an energy boost during the latter stages of Arsenal’s win over Manchester United on New Year’s Day.



Mikel Arteta secured his first victory since taking charge of the Gunners as first-half goals from Nicolas Pepe and Sokratis sealed a 2-0 win over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.

Torreira was Arsenal’s enforcer at the heart of their midfield but the Uruguay international was flagging towards the end of the second half.

And with eight minutes remaining, Arsenal took the unusual step of bringing Torreira an energy boost to get him through the rest of the game.

Matteo Guendouzi brought on the energy gel in the 82nd minute 

Torreira immediately took the energy gel from Guendouzi

Matteo Guendouzi was brought on as a substitute and the 20-year-old immediately gave an SiS energy gel to Torreira.

The Uruguayan quickly consumed the hit of energy before discarding the pack.

Torreira with the SiS energy gel 

Before the incident, Torreira had dropped to the ground and looked as if he was going to be substituted before Alexandre Lacazette was replaced.

‘I wouldn’t have been in a rush to take him off,’ said former Arsenal defender Martin Keown during his commentary for BT Sport.

‘Torreira’s so important to the team. It’s important he stays on for as long as possible.

‘He was used sparingly by [Unai] Emery and Emery didn’t pick him enough for me.’