July 23, (THEWILL) — Arsenal began their 2025 pre-season campaign with a convincing 1-0 victory over AC Milan at Singapore’s National Stadium, where Bukayo Saka’s second-half strike proved decisive against Massimiliano Allegri’s Rossoneri side. The Gunners dominated possession from the opening whistle, pressing Milan high up the pitch and forcing errors in their build-up play, though clear-cut chances remained elusive in a cagey first 45 minutes.
Saka tormented Milan’s left flank throughout the match, finding space repeatedly down Arsenal’s right wing, but the English Premier League side struggled to test debutant goalkeeper, Pietro Terracciano, with meaningful attempts. Milan’s best moments came through Rafael Leão’s
pace on the counter-attack, yet David Raya in the Arsenal goal enjoyed a relatively comfortable evening as the Italian giants failed to create sustained pressure.
The breakthrough arrived seven minutes into the second half when half-time substitute, Jakub Kiwior, whipped in a dangerous cross to the far post. Saka met the delivery with a somewhat scuffed finish that bounced awkwardly past Terracciano into the far corner, sparking celebrations among the travelling Arsenal supporters and giving Mikel
Arteta’s side a deserved advantage.
Arteta used the friendly to rotate his squad extensively, with new signings, Martín Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga both featuring after the interval alongside promising teenagers, Marli Salmon and Max Dowman, who were introduced with 25 minutes remaining. Mikel Merino
nearly doubled Arsenal’s lead with a powerful header that drew an excellent save from Milan’s young goalkeeper, Lorenzo Torriani, while Leandro Trossard tested the Italian’s reflexes with a curling effort from distance.
Despite Arsenal’s territorial dominance and several late chances to extend their lead, the scoreline remained 1-0 at full-time before Milan claimed a consolation victory in the subsequent penalty shootout, winning 6-5. The result gives Arsenal momentum heading into their next pre-season fixture, with Arteta likely pleased by his team’s pressing intensity and the integration of new faces into his tactical system.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
