Arsenal Secures Narrow Victory Over AC Milan in Pre-Season Opener

In a tightly contested pre-season friendly held on July 23, 2025, Arsenal Football Club triumphed over AC Milan with a score of 1-0 at the National Stadium in Singapore. The match marked the beginning of Arsenal's 2025 Asia Tour and featured a standout performance by Bukayo Saka, who scored the decisive goal in the second half, further solidifying his reputation as one of the team's key players.

The encounter commenced with high energy as both teams aimed to establish dominance. Arsenal, buoyed by the support of their local fanbase—a return to Singapore since 2018—took control early in the game. Saka, displaying agility and skill, linked up effectively with teammate Ben White, creating early chances. Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri had the first significant opportunity, but his low shot was expertly saved by Milan's goalkeeper, Pietro Terracciano.

Despite Arsenal's evident superiority in possession and territory during the first half, they struggled to convert opportunities into goals. Milan’s most threatening moment came shortly before halftime when Riccardo Calafiori's header was cleared off the line, highlighting Arsenal's defensive resilience.

The breakthrough came in the 52nd minute, when Jakub Kiwior delivered a precise cross that Saka met at the far post, finishing with a left-footed shot into the ground to secure the lead. The introduction of several substitutes, including Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga, provided Arsenal with a fresh dynamic, yet the team continued to face challenges from Milan's defense, particularly from 20-year-old goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani.

The match concluded with a penalty shootout to add an extra layer of excitement for fans. Arsenal and AC Milan ended the shootout tied at 2-2 after five kicks each, with Kepa making three crucial saves. However, despite Arsenal's efforts, Milan emerged victorious in the sudden death shootout, sealing their win at 6-5.

Looking ahead, Arsenal’s next fixture will see them face fellow Premier League side Newcastle United, also at the National Stadium on July 27, 2025. This pre-season tour serves as critical preparation for the upcoming 2025/26 Premier League season, where Arsenal is set to confront Manchester United in their opening match. The friendly matches will allow the coaching staff to assess player performance and integrate new signings into the team’s strategy.

Overall, Arsenal's opening match in Singapore demonstrated their potential for the upcoming season, with Saka's performance being a particular highlight. As the team continues its Asia Tour, the focus will remain on refining tactics and building momentum ahead of competitive play.