Bukayo Saka was the hero for Arsenal today, as his second-half goal secured a 1-0 victory over AC Milan in their opening pre-season friendly at Singapore’s National Stadium. The match, part of the Singapore Festival of Football, saw the Gunners start their preparations for the new season on a positive note.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta fielded a strong side, including regulars like Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Ben White. New signing Christian Norgaard, acquired from Brentford, made his debut, while fellow new arrivals Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi began on the bench.
In front of over 22,800 enthusiastic fans, Arsenal, who have been Premier League runners-up for the past three seasons, looked the livelier of the two teams in the first half. They dominated possession but were unable to convert their chances into goals.
Arteta made six changes at halftime, bringing on Arrizabalaga and Zubimendi, much to the delight of the Arsenal faithful. The breakthrough came just seven minutes after the restart when England international Bukayo Saka latched onto a cross from defender Jakub Kiwior and coolly slotted the ball into the far corner.
Saka, who was later named Man of the Match, was substituted for 15-year-old Max Dowman from the club’s academy. Dowman impressed with his confident display and flair.
Arsenal continued to push for a second goal, but Milan’s substitute goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani made two crucial saves. He denied Mikel Merino’s header with a full-stretch dive in the 75th minute and then tipped Leandro Trossard’s close-range effort over the bar seven minutes later, keeping the scoreline at 1-0.
“I’m very happy with the attitude and the domination we had shown throughout the game,” Arteta said in his post-match press conference. “But there are always things to improve. I have to find that cohesion within the players, and they have to continue to step up to the next level. But we are heading in a good direction.”
The London side will next face fellow Premier League club Newcastle on Sunday.
