Singapore Festival of Football 2025: Bukayo Saka Gives Arsenal the Win over AC Milan at the Singapore National Stadium

SportPlus News
Jul 24
3 min read

Bukayo Saka’s 52nd-minute strike sealed a 1-0 victory for Arsenal over AC Milan in their first appearance in Singapore in eight years

Louis Dunford’s ‘The Angel’ echoed round the Singapore National Stadium, along with the voices of Arsenal fans who had waited seven years for the club’s return to Singapore. For AC Milan, last night’s clash marked the first time The Rossoneri has ever played in Singapore.

It was well worth the wait for Arsenal fans, as Bukayo Saka’s 52nd-minute goal secured victory and clinched the pre-season Tridentity Trophy for the Gunners.

“We're all very happy with the performance, especially with the attitude, the quality, the determination that we showed throughout the game,” said Mikel Arteta after the victory.

The Gunners’ eagerness to get off to a good pre-season start was evident, as they dominated most of the first half.

After several failed attempts, it was in the 22nd minute when Ethan Nwaneri gave Arsenal their first proper chance on goal. Off a pass by Christian Norgaard, Nwaneri’s deceiving touch of the ball sent his marker, Christian Pulisic in the wrong direction. Volleying the ball down the bottom corner, Nwaneri forced Pietro Terracciano into a diving save.

AC Milan had chances of their own, catching Arsenal on the counter-attack. Fan-favourite, Rafael Leao forced William Saliba into a race down the Arsenal half. Saliba however, expertly made sure Leao did not have the opportunity to pull the trigger, shepherding the ball out of play.

It was Alexis Saelemaekers who had the best chance on goal for AC Milan. Pulisic’s driven ball across the penalty box found Saelemaekers, but the latter’s shot sailed over the bar.

A slew of changes were made on both sides in the second half, including the personnel in between the sticks. Terracciano made way for 20-year-old Lorenzo Torriani, while Arsenal’s new signing, Kepa Arrizabalaga made his debut as he came on for David Raya.

Then came the 52nd minute, when substitute Jakub Kiwior’s left-footed cross found Saka lurking in the far post. All it took was a calm finish by the Englishman to finally break the deadlock at the National Stadium.

The Gunners could have slotted in more, but AC Milan’s young custodian Torriani put on a performance to remember for the 22,813 fans in the stadium, denying countless chances for Arsenal to double the lead.

Despite the 1-0 win, a penalty shootout then took place at the end of the game—and it was anything but a smooth-sailing proceeding, making for an entertaining watch for the fans.

Martin Odegaard was the first to step up to the penalty spot, but Torriani showcased his shot-stopping skills once again—denying the Arsenal captain a goal.

Arrizabalaga then evened the scoring, saving Lorenzo Colombo’s effort. AC Milan eventually triumphed in the shootout 6-5, but only after a dramatic sequence featuring six saves—including four in a row—and one miss, stretching the contest to a tense 18 penalties.

Having claimed the Tridentity Cup in the opening match of the 2025 Singapore Festival of Football, Arsenal now shift their focus to Sunday’s clash with Newcastle.

Here are more highlights of Arsenal v AC Milan

Fan Favourite, Rafael Leao was a constant threat for Arsenal. Here, he expertly twists in between Arsenal youngsters Max Dowman and Josh Nichols, showing off his experience.

Arsenal's newest addition, Christian Norgaard battles for the ball with Christian Pulisic in the center of the pitch.

Arsenal Skipper, Martin Odegaard—who came on in the second half—lines up for a free kick on the right wing, which went straight into a solid wall formed by AC Milan.

Davide Bartesaghi crosses the ball into a crowded penalty box.

Academy player, Max Dowman dazzles at the National Stadium in his non-competitive debut for Arsenal. The 15-year-old was a force to be reckoned with after he came on in the second half.