Arsenal kicked off their 2025 pre-season tour with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Italian giants AC Milan at the National Stadium in Singapore on Wednesday afternoon, thanks to a second-half strike from Bukayo Saka.
In front of a lively crowd of over 22,800 spectators, Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta named a strong starting XI featuring regulars such as Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Ben White.
New signing Christian Norgaard, recently acquired from Brentford, made his first appearance for the Gunners, while fellow newcomers Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi began the match on the bench.
Arsenal controlled much of the first half, dominating possession but failing to capitalise on several promising clear cut chances. Mikel Arteta rang in the changes at the break, introducing Kepa and Zubimendi among six substitutions.
The breakthrough arrived just seven minutes after the restart, when Bukayo Saka coolly finished into the far corner after connecting with a well-weighted cross from Jakub Kiwior.
The England star, Saka, later named Man of the Match, was replaced late on by 15-year-old academy prospect Max Dowman, who drew praise for his confident cameo.
Arsenal pushed for a second goal but were denied by AC Milan substitute goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani, who produced a superb save to deny Mikel Merino’s powerful header in the 75th minute and tipped Leandro Trossard’s close-range shot over the bar minutes later.
Speaking after the match, Mikel Arteta expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance:
“I’m very happy with the attitude and the domination we showed throughout the game. But there are always things to improve,” he said. “We need to find cohesion within the group, and I believe we’re heading in the right direction.”
The Gunners will continue their pre-season tour with a clash against Premier League rivals Newcastle United on Sunday, as preparations continue for the 2025/26 Premier League season.