Arsenal began their pre-season campaign with a controlled 1-0 win over AC Milan at the Singapore National Stadium, courtesy of Bukayo Saka’s second half strike.
Despite the modest scoreline, the Gunners looked sharp and fluid throughout, with several tactical and personnel talking points emerging from a game they dominated from start to finish.
A match can never truly be defined just by looking at the stats, with that said, Arsenal’s 23 shots compared to Milan’s 3 show a compelling story of attacking dominance and control.
The issue wasn’t in the build-up: Arsenal’s intricate patterns and movement between the lines looked like a continuation from last season. What was missing, however, was a ruthless edge in the opposition box.
It highlighted the value of Viktor Gyökeres, whose arrival from Sporting CP is imminent. With 97 goals in 102 games during his two-year stint in Portugal, the Swedish striker could provide the clinical edge Arsenal have been missing.
Against Milan, chance creation was not the issue – it was conversion. This match confirmed what many already suspected: Arteta has built a side that can carve open chances, and Gyökeres will be tasked with turning this volume into goals.
The night also belonged to the next generation. Two 15-year-olds – Max Dowman and Marli Salmon – made their non-competitive debuts for the club in the second half. It was the former of the two that really stood out and showed just what to expect from the Hale End academy prospect.
Dowman, operating from the right, immediately impressed with his directness. Within minutes of coming on, he almost doubled Arsenal’s lead with a surging run into the box that ended with a shot just wide of the far post. His performance didn’t go unnoticed. TalkSPORTS’s Simon Jordan likened his ceiling to that of Lamine Yamal, calling Dowman “a special talent”.
Marli Salmon’s performance was more understated but effective, offering accurate passing from deep and composure beyond his years. It was a strong advert for the Hale End academy and a promising glimpse into Arsenal’s long-term future.
A positive combination during the game saw Ben White and Bukayo Saka rekindle their connection down the right-hand side. White, who struggled with injuries last season and saw Jurrien Timber impress in his absence, looked sharp and assured.
What Arsenal lose in defensive stability with Timber not on the pitch, they make up for with White’s overlapping runs and natural chemistry with Saka. Their partnership could again be key to Arsenal’s width and attacking prowess on the right flank.
One of the more interesting elements of the match was the variation in Arsenal’s midfield structure. With Nørgaard starting the match, he formed a double pivot with Declan Rice, allowing Ethan Nwaneri to operate higher up the pitch with freedom.
The introduction of Zubimendi at half-time saw Rice push further forward – reminiscent of his roaming role last season. The quick, progressive passing of Zubimendi from deep added an element to Arsenal’s play rarely utilised over the last few years – central progression.
In fact, only one of Zubimendi’s passes was played backwards to a teammate against Milan.
With an attacking structure that leans heavily on build up play down the right, a forward-thinking, deep-lying midfielder might be the key that helps Arsenal unlock mid-blocks through central areas.
Another strong performer was Ethan Nwaneri.
Deployed in a more central role, he struggled to impose himself early on but grew in confidence as the game progressed. A moment of brilliance midway through the first half saw him beat his man with a tidy bit of footwork down the right wing that ended in a cut back from the byline that almost produced a shooting opportunity.
Now 18, Nwaneri looks ready to feature more consistently in his favoured position. His awareness and ability to operate in tight spaces make him a natural heir to Ødegaard’s creative role – a role in which rotation is a given during such a gruelling season.
Arsenal’s intensity off the ball for a pre-season opener was impressive. Led by the effervescent Declan Rice, Mikel Arteta’s side were aggressive in regaining possession and forced Milan into rushed clearances and turnovers in their own third.
Could this be an early indicator of a high pressing system?
In recent seasons, Arteta has leaned heavily into control-based football, moving away from the quick, explosive starts that defined Arsenal’s 2022/23 campaign. A variation of this style, mixed with an element of control, could be the ideal way to navigate the challenging early run of fixtures in the Premier League.
With new attacking arrivals in Viktor Gyökeres and Noni Madueke, there is potential to overwhelm teams early on and establish control quickly with clearly identified traits of pace and power in Arsenal’s recruitment.
Though Arsenal fell short in the ceremonial post-match penalty shootout, new goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga made a strong impression with a hat-trick of penalty saves.
A bargain purchase at just £5m, Kepa could well become Arsenal’s go-to option in domestic cup competitions where penalty shootouts often loom.
Despite the win, the crowd turnout was underwhelming. Just 22,813 fans were in attendance in the 55,000-capacity stadium – a subdued atmosphere that felt more like a training session at times.
For a first outing, this was a strong and encouraging performance. The tactical flexibility, fitness levels, and youth integration all pointed in the right direction. With Gyökeres poised to join the squad in Singapore this week, Arsenal’s biggest missing piece – a finisher – should soon be in place.
Pre-season friendlies aren’t meant to deliver definitive answers, but this one provided plenty of positives. Arteta’s Arsenal look well-drilled, dynamic, and in control – primed to hit the ground running this season.
Image courtesy of REUTERS/Caroline Chia