Saka’s Decisive Moment and Arsenal’s Evolving Lineup
Singapore hosted an encounter that felt more like a competitive showdown than just a pre-season tune-up. Arsenal faced AC Milan, and it was Bukayo Saka who supplied the match’s only real spark, sliding the ball into Milan’s net early in the second half. His goal in the 53rd minute came after a build-up of pressure, capping off a patient move and rewarding Arsenal for their growing control as the match progressed.
Mikel Arteta didn’t stick with the tried and tested. Instead, he mixed it up, fielding a blend of recognizable stars and some new arrivals fans had been itching to see in action. Martín Zubimendi and keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga got their first taste in Arsenal red, entering after halftime. The experiments didn’t stop there—Arteta handed debuts to teenagers Max Dowman and Marli Salmon, both thrown into the deep end with just over twenty minutes left. Josh Nichols and seasoned Mikel Merino rounded out the changes, offering glimpses of fresh energy and tactical flexibility the coach is clearly looking for.
Milan’s Defensive Structure and Arsenal’s Depth
For Milan, the night was a story of nearly but not enough. Manager Max Allegri’s side clearly prioritised defensive balance, snuffing out several Arsenal attacks. Their backline, marshaled confidently, made the London club earn every yard of progress. Yet once on the ball, Milan’s sharpness dulled—promising spells fizzled out before they could threaten the Arsenal goal. The forward line lacked bite, and chances were at a premium.
As the match wore on, it became clear that Arsenal’s depth now runs deeper than in previous summers. Youngsters and new signings slotted in seamlessly, evidence of a squad built for the long haul rather than just the starting eleven. The chemistry wasn’t always perfect, which is to be expected at this stage, but Arteta now has real competition for places that should pay dividends once the Premier League season is underway.
The final whistle didn’t end the drama. Fans were treated to a post-match penalty shootout, and this is where things got wild. Kepa Arrizabalaga, eager to impress, managed to save three penalties—an impressive haul for any match. But it wasn’t enough as Milan edged Arsenal 6-5 in sudden death.
Next up: Arsenal stay in Singapore to meet Newcastle, offering a fresh test of their pre-season progress, while Milan fly to Hong Kong for a high-profile meeting with Liverpool. Both sides have plenty to ponder, especially as managers juggle squad integration and tactical tweaks ahead of the real business in August.
