Arsenal 1-0 Milan (Jul 23, 2025) Game Analysis

Arsenal began their Asia preseason tour with a 1-0 victory over AC Milan in Singapore. Bukayo Saka scored the winning goal in the 53rd minute, bundling home a cross from substitute Jakub Kiwior at the far post. The match was played in sweltering conditions, with temperatures at 30 degrees Celsius and high humidity despite the evening kick-off.

In front of a crowd of 22,813 at the Singapore National Stadium, 18-year-old Ethan Nwaneri (set to sign a new contract) was Arsenal's standout performer in the first half. He displayed impressive skill to beat a defender and later forced a save from Milan goalkeeper Pietro Terracciano with a powerful 20-yard shot. Christian Nørgaard was the only summer signing to start, while Riccardo Calafiori came closest to scoring before halftime with a header cleared off the line.

Manager Mikel Arteta made significant changes at halftime, introducing new signings Martín Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga alongside Martin Odegaard, Jakub Kiwior, Miles Lewis-Skelly, and Leandro Trossard. After Saka's goal, Arteta made further substitutions, giving senior debuts to 15-year-olds Max Dowman and Marli Salmon for the final 25 minutes, alongside Josh Nichols and Mikel Merino. Milan faded after an initial threat on the counter, with Merino almost adding a second goal late on.

Following the match, a pre-planned penalty shootout took place. Milan won the shootout 6-5 in sudden death, despite Kepa saving three penalties. Arsenal scorers in the shootout were Zubimendi, Merino, Dowman, Trossard, and Nichols, while Odegaard, Nelson, Kiwior, and Salmon missed.

Arsenal's next preseason match is against Newcastle in Singapore on Sunday, while Milan face Liverpool in Hong Kong on Saturday.