Arsenal began their pre-season campaign with a 1–0 victory over Italian giants AC Milan at the National Stadium in Singapore on Wednesday.
Manager Mikel Arteta fielded a strong starting lineup featuring Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Ben White, while new signing Christian Norgaard made his debut following his move from Brentford. Fellow newcomers Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi started on the bench.
Before a crowd of over 22,800 fans, the Gunners dominated possession in the first half but couldn’t find the back of the net. Arteta made six changes at halftime, introducing Arrizabalaga and Zubimendi.
Arsenal’s breakthrough came seven minutes into the second half when Bukayo Saka calmly finished off a cross from Jakub Kiwior, firing into the far corner. The England winger, later named Man of the Match, was replaced by 15-year-old academy product Max Dowman, who impressed with his composure and skill.
The Gunners pushed for a second goal, but Milan’s substitute goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani made crucial saves — first denying a Mikel Merino header and later tipping Leandro Trossard’s shot over the bar.
“I’m very happy with the attitude and the domination we showed throughout the game,” Arteta said afterward. “But there are always things to improve. I have to find that cohesion within the players, and they have to continue to step up. But we are heading in a good direction.”
Arsenal, runners-up in the Premier League for the past three seasons, will next face Newcastle United on Sunday.
