Arsenal 1-0 Milan (5-6 on pens): Saka scores a goal, Nwaneri creates chances

Game is over and the final score is Arsenal 1-0 Milan. Here is the match report.

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