Three Key Takeaways from Arsenal’s Preseason Win over AC Milan

Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over AC Milan in their Singapore preseason opener, while a friendly fixture, served as a significant early indicator of Mikel Arteta’s strategic vision and the evolving capabilities of his squad. Beyond the narrow scoreline, secured by Bukayo Saka’s decisive strike, the match offered a revealing glimpse into the Gunners’ tactical refinements, the burgeoning talent within their ranks, and their preparedness for the rigours of the upcoming 2025/26 campaign.

1. The Evolving Midfield Blueprint: Control, Progression, and Tactical Versatility

The most striking tactical takeaway from the match was the sophisticated and adaptable midfield structure deployed by Mikel Arteta. In the first half, the partnership of new signing Christian Nørgaard alongside Declan Rice formed a robust and intelligent double pivot.

Nørgaard’s disciplined positional play and impressive 92% pass completion rate provided a stable base, allowing Rice greater freedom to operate as a progressive ball-carrier, driving forward and linking play between defence and attack. This pairing offered a crucial blend of defensive solidity and controlled build-up, effectively stifling Milan’s attempts to play through the middle and ensuring Arsenal dictated the tempo.

Further up the pitch, the deployment of 18-year-old Ethan Nwaneri in a fluid number 10 role was a significant tactical experiment that paid dividends. Nwaneri’s ability to drift between lines, combine in tight spaces, and unleash powerful shots added an unpredictable dimension to Arsenal’s attacking phases. This setup suggests Arteta is keen to develop multiple midfield profiles capable of dictating tempo and creating chances from various areas.

The second-half introduction of Martín Zubimendi, another new acquisition, further underscored the emphasis on midfield depth and control. His presence ensured that Arsenal maintained their dominance in possession, ultimately recording 57% of the ball and limiting Milan to a mere three shots throughout the entire match.

This collective midfield performance points towards a highly adaptable and resilient core, capable of controlling the game’s rhythm regardless of personnel changes, a crucial attribute for a team with title aspirations.

2. The Accelerated Pathway for Academy Graduates: A Resounding Vote of Trust in Youth

The match served as a powerful testament to Arsenal’s unwavering commitment to its youth academy, with Ethan Nwaneri’s performance standing out as a clear highlight. Playing with a confidence that belied his age, Nwaneri was arguably Arsenal’s most impressive player in the first half. His three successful dribbles and the creation of one key chance highlighted his technical prowess and growing maturity.

He consistently looked to drive at defenders, combine with teammates, and influence attacking phases, culminating in a fierce 20-yard drive that forced a fine save from Milan’s goalkeeper. This display suggests he is no longer just a promising prospect but a genuine contender for regular first-team minutes, having clearly developed both physically and technically over the summer.

Even more remarkably, the senior debuts of 15-year-olds Max Dowman and Marli Salmon in the final quarter of the match sent a clear message about the club’s future. Their composure under the pressure of a senior friendly against a European giant, coupled with their ability to execute basic tactical instructions, speaks volumes about the quality of coaching and development within the Hale End academy.

While their minutes were limited, their inclusion signifies Arteta’s willingness to integrate exceptional young talent directly into the senior setup, providing a clear pathway and motivation for the next generation of Arsenal players. This robust academy pipeline promises not only future stars but also immediate, cost-effective depth options for the squad, a vital asset in modern football.

3. Strategic Squad Management and Rotational Readiness: Building for Sustained Success

Mikel Arteta’s approach to substitutions was highly strategic, showcasing a deliberate effort to manage player load while simultaneously testing various combinations and maintaining tactical coherence. The six changes made at halftime, effectively introducing an entirely new XI, did not disrupt Arsenal’s control of the game.

This seamless transition highlighted the depth and tactical understanding across the squad, demonstrating that the team’s philosophy is deeply ingrained in every player. The decisive goal, orchestrated by Jakub Kiwior’s “inviting cross” from the left flank, perfectly illustrated the impact of contributions from players coming off the bench. Kiwior’s ability to provide attacking impetus from a defensive position underscores the versatility Arteta demands from his squad.

While the team’s finishing (one goal from an expected goals (xG) tally of 2.1) indicates an area for refinement as match sharpness builds, the overall controlled performance across two distinct XIs is highly encouraging.

It suggests that Arsenal is building a squad capable of navigating the demands of a congested fixture schedule across multiple competitions, with various players ready to step in and maintain the team’s high standards without a significant drop-off in quality. This rotational readiness will be crucial for sustained success throughout a long and demanding season, as Arsenal aims to compete on all fronts.