Arsenal’s pre-season tour has officially begun—and they’ve started with a win.
In front of a lively Singapore crowd, the Gunners took on AC Milan in a friendly that may not have been packed with goals, but it definitely offered plenty to talk about.
From Bukayo Saka’s classy finish to some standout performances from the younger lads, the match gave fans a glimpse of what’s brewing behind the scenes at Arsenal.
Bukayo Saka Strikes Early to Secure the Win
It didn’t take long for Arsenal to make their mark.
Within the first 15 minutes, Bukayo Saka reminded everyone why he’s one of the club’s most valuable assets.
A confident finish from the winger put Arsenal 1-0 up—and that turned out to be the only goal of the game.
Although the tempo slowed down after that, the early breakthrough was enough to seal the win.
Youth Academy Talent Shines on the Big Stage
Perhaps the most exciting part of this friendly was seeing the young guns step up.
Ethan Nwaneri, who continues to grab attention every time he’s given a chance, showed composure beyond his years.
And let’s talk about Max Dowman—the 15-year-old made his debut and didn’t look out of place one bit.
He’s now officially the youngest player ever to feature for Arsenal in a senior fixture.
Kai Havertz Struggles to Make an Impact
While the kids impressed, one senior name seemed a bit off the pace. Ka
i Havertz, who’s still trying to find his rhythm in an Arsenal shirt, had a quieter night.
He couldn’t quite link up the way fans might’ve hoped, and his performance lacked the spark needed to stake a strong claim ahead of the new season.
Singapore Crowd Enjoys a Glimpse into Arsenal’s Future
Though the stadium wasn’t at full capacity, the fans who turned out were treated to a solid performance and a first-hand look at Arsenal’s next generation.
The heat and humidity might have taken some sting out of the game’s tempo, but the atmosphere remained upbeat as supporters cheered every exciting run and close chance.
Looking Ahead to the Next Challenge
This win gives Mikel Arteta a few things to smile about, especially the confidence shown by his younger players.
But he’ll also be aware that the team still needs to sharpen up before the new season kicks off.
Next up? More pre-season fixtures and more opportunities for players—both young and experienced—to step up and make their case.