Arsenal took on AC Milan in their opening match of the tour to Asia.
Mikel Arteta gave a start to new signing Christian Norgaard in midfield, whilst Ethan Nwaneri played in his preferred number ten position.
It was Nwaneri that had Arsenal’s brightest moment in the first half when his half volley was brilliantly saved by the AC Milan goalkeeper.
Bukayo Saka opened the scoring early in the second half when he managed to keep a bouncing ball low into the corner following an excellent cross from Jakub Kiwior.
A good performance and vital minutes into the legs for the Gunners’ stars, here’s how the players rated in the victory over AC Milan.
Arsenal player ratings vs AC Milan
David Raya – 6
A relatively quiet afternoon for the Arsenal number one, neat and tidy in his distribution.
Ben White – 8
A magnificent performance from the right back, combined well with Bukayo Saka and most of Arsenal’s most dangerous situations came from that flank.
William Saliba – 7
Look assured and composed as always in both his defending and playing out from the back. Showed outstanding pace to recover and intercept a run from Ruben Loftus-Cheek in the second period.
Riccardo Calafiori – 6
Aggressive in his defensive actions, Calafiori was first to the ball on a number of occasions and prevented AC Milan counter attacks. Needs to tidy up in possession.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 6
Good first half on the ball, found pockets of space in his inverted role but once again showed his defensive vulnerabilities.
Christian Norgaard – 6
A real solid debut in the middle of the park. Used the ball intelligently and snuffed out danger on a number of occasions.
Declan Rice – 6
Played in a slightly deeper role than he became accustomed to at the end of last season. Will grow into the tour.
Ethan Nwaneri – 7
A quiet first 25 minutes before bursting into life with a wonderful turn and rasping effort that was unlucky not to open the deadlock.
Bukayo Saka – 8
Arsenal’s biggest threat yet again. Linked well with Ben White down the right flank and just his final decision making let him down in the first half. Took his goal well with a controlled finish.
Gabriel Martinelli – 5
Made some excellent runs in behind but will have been frustrated by the service into him. Would have wanted to make more of an impact on the game.
Kai Havertz – 6
Worked hard and showed some excellent touches in and around the box. Looking in excellent physical condition.
Substitutes-
Kepa Arrizabalaga – 6
Didn’t have much to do in terms of goal-mouth action, comfortable start to his Arsenal career.
Josh Nichols – 5
Missed a couple of headers and interceptions at right back. Showed wonderful athleticism going forward
Marli Salmon – 5
Kept things simple and easy on his first senior appearance for the club.
Jakub Kiwior – 7
Excellent delivery for Saka’s goal as the Polish defender joined the attack. Solid in his defensive work.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7
Looked bright in possession and combined well with Trossard down the left flank.
Martin Zubimendi – 7
Showed his defensive intelligence straight away with a number of important tackles and interceptions. Good start from the Spaniard with flashes of brilliance in his passing range.
Mikel Merino – 6
Denied a goal on his return as his powerful header from a corner was brilliantly pushed away from the Milan keeper.
Max Dowman – 6
Looked at home in his first senior appearance, lovely balance on the ball and not afraid to take responsibility by making something happen.
Martin Odegaard – 6
Looked to make things happen when he came on, unlucky with an effort that hit the side netting.
Leandro Trossard – 6
Produced a number of dangerous crosses into the box. Saw an excellent strike from distance tipped over the bar.
Reiss Nelson – N/A
Came on for Havertz late on in the game. Saw a late effort curl wide of the post.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
