Bukayo Saka was the one who took Arsenal to a 1-0 win against AC Milan in the opening match of the club’s Asia pre-season tour, with the winger’s goal in the second half being the only one scored at the National Stadium in Singapore.
The winning goal was scored in the 53rd minute when Jakub Kiwior’s cross found Saka at the back post, unmarked. Although he gave a half-hearted attempt, the England international was still able to pick out the bottom-left corner to put the Gunners in the lead.
Arsenal dominated the match from the very beginning till the end, piling up 23 shots compared to Milan’s 3 and having an expected goals figure of 1.83 against the Rossoneri’s 0.22. Riccardo Calafiori, Ethan Nwaneri, and Mikel Merino tried to increase the lead, while Rafael Leao was left as Milan’s only danger on the attack.
Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, the new signings, made their Arsenal debuts, while Samuele Ricci was the representative of Milan. Mikel Arteta’s team was very energetic throughout and had hardly any difficulties against a subdued Milan team led by Massimiliano Allegri.
Saka was the man of the match for Arsenal, leading the team in shots (3), chances created (2), duels contested (13), and duels won (5). Arsenal will play Newcastle next, while Milan are going to face Liverpool in their next pre-season match.
