Bukayo Saka Clinches Victory for Arsenal as Young Guns Impress
Pre-season friendlies usually don’t draw huge headlines, but Arsenal versus AC Milan in Singapore felt different. With more than 30°C heat and heavy humidity pressing down, both clubs sent out strong teams, eager to show off new signings and rising stars ahead of the coming season. The result? Arsenal prevailed 1-0, fans got a good look at future talent, and both teams left with plenty to chew over as their Asia tours continue.
Arsenal looked the more settled team from the start, keeping the ball with real confidence and making Milan chase. Bukayo Saka, fast becoming a main man for both club and country, was at the heart of it again. The breakthrough came in the 53rd minute thanks to the 18-year-old Polish defender Jakub Kiwior, who delivered a sharp cross into the Milan box. Saka did the rest—scrapping, twisting, and finally slotting the goal home, even as Milan defenders closed in and sweat dripped from every player on the pitch.
Behind the winner, though, was another story: Ethan Nwaneri, just 18 and already looking like a future star for the Arsenal vs AC Milan crowd. Nwaneri showed poise well beyond his years, cutting through the midfield and even forcing a fine save from Milan’s veteran keeper Pietro Terracciano with a long-range strike in the first half. Arsenal fans have been whispering about Nwaneri for a while, but now the secret’s well and truly out.
Penalty Drama Adds Twist After Arsenal’s Win
The 1-0 result felt deserved, but organizers threw in a bonus: a full penalty shootout, regardless of the scoreline. It’s part of the new trend in pre-season competitions, designed to give squads a taste of pressure moments before competitive games return. This time Milan took the glory, getting one back from the spot as Arsenal’s young keeper Karl Hein couldn’t keep up with the Italians’ cool finishing.
The shootout didn’t take the shine off Arsenal’s display, with the Gunners’ creative midfield combinations and steely defense on show for the Singapore crowd. But Milan fans had something to cheer about, too. The Italians showed resilience under tough conditions and made the most of their chances in penalties—a reminder that, even in friendlies, these fixtures pack real meaning for squads testing their nerves and tactics.
With this win, Arsenal keep up their sharp summer form, and expectations are building ahead of their friendly against Newcastle United, also in Singapore. Milan won’t rest for long either; they fly to Hong Kong to take on Liverpool on July 26, where both squads will be chasing wins—and, no doubt, showing off more young talent eyeing regular first-team roles in Europe’s top leagues.
