Arsenal 1-0 Milan (5-6 on pens): Saka scores a goal, Nwaneri creates chances
Macth Report
Arsenal started their pre-season tour in Asia with a 1-0 victory against AC Milan in Singapore. Bukayo Saka was the match-winner, scoring the only goal shortly after half-time. The first half was slow and had very few chances. Milan came closest when Riccardo Calafiori’s header was cleared off the line. Arsenal had a few attempts from Ethan Nwaneri, Saka, and Martinelli, but they were all blocked or saved.
Saka’s goal came from a deep cross by Jakub Kiwior, which he bundled in at the far post. The goal was not beautiful, but it was enough. Even though Arsenal won, they lacked attacking threat throughout the match. Reiss Nelson’s deflected shot went close, and Mikel Merino forced a great save from Milan’s substitute goalkeeper, but it was clear Arsenal missed a dominant striker. The need for Viktor Gyokeres was obvious.
A penalty shootout followed the match, as required by the Festival of Football rules. Arsenal lost it, with Odegaard, Nelson, and Kiwior missing. Kepa, who came on at halftime, made three shootout saves to keep the contest close, but Milan won after Christian Comotto converted the final kick.
William Saliba had a strong game in defense, quietly stopping Milan’s fast counters without needing to commit fouls. Saka was the standout performer, driving attacks and handling pressure despite Milan's aggressive double marking.
Only one new signing started: Christian Norgaard in midfield. He was steady and neat in possession. Martin Zubimendi replaced him at halftime and showed more creativity but less physicality. Kepa replaced Raya and made good saves during the shootout.
Match Events
0' The match is about to start!
0' 9 substitutions for Arsenal! Zubimendi, Odegaard, Kepa and others are on
3' Leao's shot in the box is blocked by the defender
5' Rice tries his luck on the edge of the box but his effort goes high
15' Norgaard sends a cross but the following effort is saved by the keeper
21' Ben White gets the rebound and takes a shot but his attempt is too wide
23' Ethan Nwaneri left footed shot from outside the box is saved
28' Leao dribbles the ball into the box but his effort is cleared by Saliba
30' Saka's low shot on the edge of the box is saved by Terracciano
32' Havertz's pass finds Rice but the midfielder's shot is blocked
41' Saelemaekers powerful shot in the box is high
45' Martinelli's shot takes a deflection off the defender and goes wide
53' GOAL! Kiwior's cross finds Saka who slots the ball in the net! Arsenal 1-0 Milan
59' Dowman tries to curl the ball into the far cornor but it goes wide
61' Match Event for Arsenal vs Milan
66' Odegaard's attempt from a narrow angle in the box goes wide
76' Havertz's header is saved by the keeper
83' Trossard's shot from outside the box is denied by the keeper
86' Highlight from Arsenal vs Milan
Line-ups
Arsenal XI: Christian Nørgaard, Zinchenko, David Raya, Rice, Havertz, Ben White, Martinelli, Saliba, Saka, Calafiori, Nwaneri
Subs: Trossard, Kepa, Ødegaard, Merino, Nelson, Martín Zubimendi, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Kiwior, Tommy Setford, Alexéi Rojas, Lewis-Skelly, Louie Copley, Ismeal Kabia, Josh Nichols, Max Dowman, Marli Salmon, A. Harriman-Annous
Milan XI: Pietro Terracciano, Loftus-Cheek, Tomori, Pulisic, Leao, Yunus Musah, Alexis Saelemaekers, Samuele Ricci, Malick Thiaw, S. Pavlovic, Davide Bartesaghi
Subs: Chukwueze, Gabbia, Okafor, Lorenzo Colombo, Warren Bondo, Terracciano, Matteo Duțu, Torriani, Christian Comotto, Mattia Liberali, Vittorio Magni, Matteo Pittarella
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