Arsenal has kicked off its pre-season preparations with a victory, securing a narrow 1-0 win over Italian giants AC Milan in a competitive friendly match held in Singapore.
The game, designed as a crucial test for both clubs ahead of the new 2025-26 season, saw both managers, Mikel Arteta and Massimiliano Allegri, using the opportunity to give minutes to their squad and experiment with new players and tactics.
The decisive moment of the match came from Arsenal’s star winger, Bukayo Saka, whose clinical finish was the only thing to separate the two sides after 90 minutes of play, handing the Gunners the victory.
Although Arsenal won the match in regular time, a penalty shootout was held for the entertainment of the fans in attendance. AC Milan emerged victorious from the spot-kicks, winning 6-5, though the official result of the friendly remains a 1-0 win for the English side.
The victory was a welcome start for many Arsenal supporters, who celebrated the positive result. However, some sections of the fanbase remain skeptical, suggesting the performance is not yet indicative of a team ready to win major trophies. They question whether this is the season manager Mikel Arteta will finally silence the critics by securing a major piece of silverware.
Overall, it was a successful outing for the Gunners, who started their pre-season with a win against top-tier European opposition. While the result is a positive, the real work continues as Arteta and his squad build their fitness and chemistry ahead of a demanding new campaign where expectations will be incredibly high.
