Arsenal 1-0 AC Milan: Saka strike separates European heavyweights in pre-season opener

Bukayo Saka helped Arsenal get their pre-season campaign in Asia off to a winning start after scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win against AC Milan.

The winger’s strike from Jakub Kiwior’s cross in the 53rd minute separated the two sides at the National Stadium in Singapore.

Saka ghosted in unmarked at the back post and, though he rather scuffed his finish, found the left-hand corner of Milan’s net.

Riccardo Calafiori, Ethan Nwaneri, and Mikel Merino all went close to adding to the scoresheet for the Gunners, while Rafael Leao provided a glimmer of hope for the Italian side.

Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard made their debuts for Arsenal, in what was a fairly straightforward match for them, while Samuele Ricci made his first appearance for Milan.

Mikel Arteta’s side face Newcastle in their next pre-season game, while Massimiliano Allegri’s team will also face Premier League opposition next in Liverpool.

At the end of the game, a shootout took place even though Arsenal won in 90 minutes. Milan won 6-5 on penalties after Arsenal missed four spot-kicks, most notably from Martin Odegaard, before Christian Comotto won it for the Rossoneri.

Cool as you like from our Bukayo pic.twitter.com/F7HhXhrvF6

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 23, 2025

Data Debrief: Cruise control

It was a dominant display from the Gunners, as Arteta’s team tallied up 23 shots to just three from Milan.

Arsenal’s dominance was demonstrated by the expected goals, with the Gunners creating chances worth 1.83 compared to Milan’s 0.22.

Saka got the goal to cap off an impressive individual performance overall. He led Arsenal for shots (three) and chances created (two), duels contested (13) and duels won (five).