Arsenal Defeats AC Milan 1–0 in Pre-Season Friendly: Saka Shines, Nørgaard Impresses on Debut in Singapore
Arsenal defeated AC Milan 1–0 in a pre-season club friendly in Singapore. Full match report, player ratings, Christian Nørgaard debut, and video highlights.
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In a much-anticipated pre-season clash between two of Europe’s elite clubs, Arsenal F.C. narrowly defeated AC Milan 1–0 in a lively club friendly held at Singapore’s National Stadium. With a packed crowd in attendance despite humid conditions, this friendly served as an early glimpse into the preparations, formations, and new player integrations for both teams. Bukayo Saka’s second-half strike sealed the win for Arsenal, while debutant Christian Nørgaard impressed fans and critics alike with a composed display in midfield.
This fixture not only renewed the historic rivalry between Arsenal and AC Milan, but also offered valuable minutes for returning stars, rising academy talent, and new summer signings. Here's a full match breakdown, including player analysis, tactics, and what this means for both sides heading into the 2025–26 season.
Arsenal vs AC Milan: Match Summary
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Date: July 23, 2025
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Venue: National Stadium, Singapore
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Final Score: Arsenal 1 – 0 AC Milan
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Goal Scorer: Bukayo Saka (53rd minute)
Arsenal controlled much of the possession throughout the game, pressing high and keeping Milan on the back foot. After a tightly contested first half, the breakthrough came just after the restart. Defender Jakub Kiwior floated in a perfectly timed cross from the left flank, which Saka managed to control and finish from close range under pressure from Milan’s defense.
While the goal was the match's only official score, the intensity remained high until the final whistle. The two clubs later held a post-match penalty shootout—customary during summer friendlies—to test their squads further. AC Milan narrowly won the shootout 6–5, with Arsenal’s second-string keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga making three saves.
Christian Nørgaard's Arsenal Debut: Calm Under Pressure
One of the biggest talking points from this fixture was the debut of Danish midfielder Christian Nørgaard, recently acquired by Arsenal during the summer transfer window. Positioned alongside Declan Rice in a double pivot, Nørgaard demonstrated exactly why Mikel Arteta was keen to bring him to the Emirates.
His spatial awareness, quick distribution, and clean tackles stood out in a midfield battle that featured experienced Milan players like Ismaël Bennacer and Yacine Adli. Though not flashy, Nørgaard’s ability to control the tempo and recycle possession allowed Arsenal to build through the middle with efficiency.
In one particularly standout moment in the 34th minute, Nørgaard intercepted a Milan counterattack, turned sharply, and launched a 30-yard pass to find Saka in space on the right wing—an example of his sharp decision-making and game-reading skills.
Ethan Nwaneri and the Next Generation
If Nørgaard represented composure, Ethan Nwaneri brought flair. The 18-year-old academy product was one of the brightest performers on the pitch during the first half. Playing in the No. 10 role, he dribbled fearlessly, attempted through balls in tight spaces, and even came close to scoring twice—once in the 22nd minute with a curling effort that skimmed just wide of the post.
Arsenal’s commitment to youth was also visible in the second half, when Max Dowman and Marli Salmon were subbed in. While they didn’t have many touches, their inclusion indicates that Arteta is seriously considering squad rotation for the upcoming season, especially with the Champions League back on the calendar.
Tactical Overview: Arsenal in Control
Arteta deployed his squad in a flexible 4-2-3-1 formation, starting with Nørgaard and Rice as a midfield shield, with Nwaneri in the advanced playmaker role. Full-backs Tomiyasu and Kiwior pushed high to support the wingers, allowing Saka and Martinelli to cut inside.
In contrast, Milan fielded a more conservative 4-3-3, focusing on counterattacks via Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic. However, their attempts were thwarted by a well-organized Arsenal backline, led by Gabriel Magalhães and Ben White.
Zubimendi and Kepa were introduced after halftime, both showing positive signs. Zubimendi added urgency and quick forward passes, while Kepa made key interventions, including multiple penalty saves during the post-match shootout.
AC Milan: Lacking Sharpness but Plenty of Promise
AC Milan, under manager Massimiliano Allegri, showed signs of cohesion in short spells but lacked the attacking precision needed to break through Arsenal’s defensive structure. Leão had a quiet night, and Milan’s midfield struggled to hold possession.
However, promising moments did emerge from youth player Francesco Camarda, who nearly scored in the 78th minute after a long ball created space down the middle. His shot, though well-struck, was saved comfortably by Kepa.
For Allegri, the positives will be in the fitness levels and the opportunity to evaluate squad depth. New signings like Jan-Carlo Simic and Davide Bartesaghi showed glimpses of potential, even if the collective performance fell short.
Stadium Atmosphere and Crowd Response
Despite the hot and humid conditions in Singapore, fans turned out in large numbers, creating a vibrant atmosphere inside the National Stadium. Chants of “Come on you Gunners!” echoed loudly throughout the stands, and several AC Milan supporters had made the trip from across Asia to back their team.
The most enthusiastic responses came when Nørgaard was introduced, and later when Saka found the net. As expected, Saka’s jersey was the most worn among fans in the crowd.
Match Stats: Arsenal vs AC Milan
| Category | Arsenal | AC Milan |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 58% | 42% |
| Shots (on target) | 13 (5) | 9 (2) |
| Pass accuracy | 87% | 82% |
| Fouls committed | 11 | 14 |
| Corners | 6 | 4 |
| Saves | 2 | 4 |
What This Means for the Season Ahead
For Arsenal, the victory continues a solid pre-season run that included earlier wins in training matches at Colney. With fixtures against Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur coming up, this match gave Arteta the chance to experiment with formations and evaluate squad fitness.
For AC Milan, the result is less important than the performance. Allegri will look to fine-tune his lineup as the team prepares for Serie A and European commitments. Sharpness in attack and cohesion in midfield will likely be top priorities during the rest of their Asia tour.
Where to Watch Arsenal F.C. vs AC Milan Highlights
Fans can watch full match highlights and post-match interviews on the official Arsenal YouTube channel. The club has released an exclusive behind-the-scenes video showcasing dressing room footage, Nørgaard’s pre-match warm-up, and Arteta’s team talk.
Watch the Match Highlights Here:
Final Thoughts
This Arsenal vs AC Milan clash, though officially a friendly, had all the ingredients of a competitive European tie — quality, drama, and emerging storylines. Saka’s clinical finish, Nørgaard’s authoritative debut, and Nwaneri’s raw brilliance offered a preview of the depth and direction Arsenal is building toward.
AC Milan, though falling short on the scoreboard, will see this match as a vital building block in what promises to be a demanding season. With more friendlies ahead, both teams still have time to sharpen their squads and correct tactical imbalances.
As pre-season continues, one thing is certain — both Arsenal and Milan remain ambitious, and if this match was any indication, their upcoming seasons will be well worth following.
