Arsenal’s pre-season tour of Asia is underway – and Mikel Arteta will have been pleased with what he saw against AC Milan.
The Gunners secured a 1-0 win in Singapore, with Bukayo Saka scoring the only goal early in the second half.
Arteta handed debuts to new signings Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi, with the latter particularly catching the eye.
There was also a first taste of senior football for 15-year-olds Marli Salmon and Max Dowman in the second half.
Here, Standard Sport looks at three things we learned from the win over AC Milan…
Saka and White rekindle their partnership
Amid Jurrien Timber’s fine form last season, Ben White was occasionally the forgotten man at Arsenal.
White was forced to undergo knee surgery in November and he was out of action until February.
When the 27-year-old returned, he struggled for sharpness and could only watch on as Timber cemented the right-back spot.
Bukayo Saka scored the only goal as Arsenal beat AC Milan
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That, however, does not look like it will be the case this season. White appeared fully fit and sharp against Milan, starting the match and getting through over an hour before coming off.
Arteta will have been most encouraged by White’s link-up play with Saka, especially in the first half.
One incisive ball from White split open the left side of Milan’s defence, and Saka almost punished them.
The two have long had a good connection on Arsenal’s right flank and this was a timely reminder of what they offer when paired together.
Zubimendi impresses on debut
Arteta has spoken glowingly about what Zubimendi will bring to this Arsenal team – and the midfielder made a promising start.
Introduced at half time for Norgaard, the Spaniard delivered a composed and energetic performance at the base of midfield.
Zubimendi looked to move the ball quickly and get Arsenal on the front foot. He helped raise their tempo after the break and, within seven minutes of the interval, Saka had scored.
New signing Martin Zubimendi produced a classy debut
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Without the ball, Zubimendi also impressed as he pressed high and read danger well.
All in all it was an encouraging display from the 26-year-old, who will be tasked with conducting this Arsenal team.
Calm and composed on the ball, he set the tone and controlled much of the play in the second half after replacing Norgaard.
Norgaard was steady on his debut, but the gap between starter and backup may already be taking shape.
Dowman offers a glimpse of his potential
Arsenal will want to carefully manage the hype around Dowman, but this performance will have only added fuel to the fire.
The 15-year-old made an immediate impression during his 20-minute cameo off the bench, in particular with his dribbling in tight spaces.
Dowman left several AC Milan defenders for dead with one mazy run, earning a free-kick in the process.
Max Dowman impressed as he made an impact off the bench
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Despite his age, he looked composed and confident, at ease with the environment he was thrown into.
For Arsenal’s youth teams, Dowman has played as a No10 – but he was deployed out wide against Milan after coming on for Saka.
That role gave him space to showcase his flair, and this display will have only increased his growing reputation.
With two more friendlies in Asia to come, this may not be the last we see of Dowman during pre-season.