Bukayo Saka's early second-half goal made the difference as Arsenal kicked off their pre-season tour of Asia with a 1-0 win over AC Milan in Singapore.

In sweltering south-east Asian conditions, both the Gunners and the Rossoneri had the look of two teams playing their first match in two months, as clear-cut chances were at a premium in the first half.

However, Mikel Arteta's men still had the better sights of goal, as the electrifying Ethan Nwaneri forced a strong save from Pietro Terracciano after a stunning turn and volley, before Riccardo Calafiori had a header cleared off the line by Strahinja Pavlovic.

Arsenal's pressure eventually told in the eighth minute of the second half, though, as Jakub Kiwior's delightful cross to the back post was on the money for Saka to bundle in.

After a wealth of changes on both ends, Arteta's side looked more likely to score a second than Massimiliano Allegri's side did to get back into the contest, but Arsenal ultimately declared at one en route to a stress-free win.

The Serie A side had something to cheer at the end, though, triumphing 6-5 in a penalty shootout as young goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani made three stops.

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

Not a friendly that will live long in the memory, but this was very much a case of job done for Arsenal, who were on top of their Italian counterparts throughout the 90 minutes.

A strong starting lineup suffocated the Rossoneri from the off, and Nwaneri was undoubtedly the highlight of the first half, showcasing terrific footwork and close control in a more central role.

However, an all-too familiar failure to create golden opportunities was evident in the first half for Arsenal, who also got caught out a couple of times by smart Milan runs at the other end.

As both managers rung the changes, though, chances came thick and fast for Arsenal in the second period, where 15-year-old duo Max Dowman and Marli Salmon made their debuts, as did Martin Zubimendi.

All three seamlessly slotted into the system - Dowman in particular demonstrated why there is so much hype around this kid - and Arteta undoubtedly has many positives to build on.

ARSENAL VS. MILAN HIGHLIGHTS

Bukayo Saka goal vs. Milan (53rd min, Arsenal 1-0 Milan)

WHAT A BALL ?

Bukayo Saka finishes off a beautiful cross to put Arsenal ahead against AC Milan ⚽ pic.twitter.com/zckB0vHVs1

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) July 23, 2025

Arsenal have their first goal of their pre-season tour, and it was always going to be him.

The Gunners build down the left through Leandro Trossard and Kiwior, the latter of whom sends in a wonderful first-time cross to the back post aimed at Saka.

The England international does not get a clean connection, but his shot into the ground deceives Terracciano and ends up in the far side of the net.

MAN OF THE MATCH - LORENZO TORRIANI

Selecting a man of the match in pre-season fixtures is a fool's errand, but 20-year-old Milan goalkeeper Torriani stood extremely tall during his 30-minute cameo in the second half.

Torriani made five saves to prevent the Gunners from adding to their lead, while also demonstrating exceptional footwork, completing five accurate long passes from five attempts.

If that was not enough, the 6ft 6in youngster stopped no fewer than three penalties in the shootout as the Rossoneri claimed a consolation win from 12 yards.

ARSENAL VS. MILAN MATCH STATS

Possession: Arsenal 56%-44% Milan

Shots: Arsenal 23-3 Milan

Shots on target: Arsenal 9-1 Milan

Corners: Arsenal 14-2 Milan

Fouls: Arsenal 9-8 Milan

WHAT NEXT?

Arsenal will be back at the National Stadium in four days' time to face Newcastle United on Sunday, before heading to Hong Kong for a tantalising North London derby with Tottenham Hotspur on July 31.

Meanwhile, Milan will jet straight off to Hong Kong to meet Premier League champions Liverpool on Saturday, before travelling further south to meet Australian outfit Perth Glory in eight days' time.

Written by
Ben Knapton