Arteta Impressed in Dowman and Salmon Pre-Season performances Win Over AC Milan

Mikel Arteta praised the “incredible” performances of 15-year-olds Max Dowman and Marli Salmon after Arsenal began their pre-season campaign with a 1–0 victory over AC Milan at the National Stadium in Singapore.

Bukayo Saka netted the only goal of the match, finishing off a precise cross from Jakub Kiwior, as the Gunners looked sharp in their opening outing ahead of the new season.

The match also saw debuts for summer arrivals Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga, who all featured in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd. Norgaard was the only one of the trio to start, operating in a holding midfield role alongside Declan Rice and Ethan Nwaneri, while Zubimendi and Kepa came on after the break.

Among the standout stories of the evening were the appearances of academy prospects Dowman and Salmon, both just 15, who were handed minutes by Arteta in the second half. Despite their age, the youngsters held their own against experienced opposition.

“There’s a lot of great work being done in our academy,” Arteta said post-match. “Today was about giving opportunities to the kids who’ve earned it. To see two 15-year-olds step into a game like this and perform the way they did, it’s just incredible.”

Ethan Nwaneri, still only 17, also impressed from midfield with a composed display that included a clever dribble and a narrowly missed shot from the edge of the area.

In total, seven Arsenal academy graduates featured, with Dowman, Salmon, Nwaneri, Reiss Nelson, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Josh Nichols and Saka all playing a part. Several of them, including Dowman and Nichols, remained on the pitch at full-time.

Despite Arsenal winning the match, a pre-arranged penalty shootout followed, which Milan won 6–5. Dowman, Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Trossard and Nichols converted their spot-kicks, while misses from Martin Odegaard, Nelson, Kiwior and Salmon proved costly.

Reflecting on Dowman’s assured penalty under pressure, Arteta said: “They’ve been around the first team, learning the dynamics and the demands. That gives them a platform but they still have to earn it.”

Mixed Debuts for Arsenal’s New Signings

This summer, Arsenal have already invested around £128 million in transfers, with Zubimendi, Norgaard and Kepa joined by Noni Madueke. Further additions in Cristhian Mosquera and Viktor Gyokeres are expected.

Madueke, who was involved in Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign, was granted extended leave and did not travel with the squad. Norgaard, however, made his first appearance in red and white, offering stability in front of the backline.

Zubimendi came off the bench at half-time and quickly showcased his passing range, although the game’s rhythm was disrupted by multiple substitutions and the humid conditions.

Kepa had little to do during regular time but made a strong impression during the shootout, stopping three Milan penalties.

Arsenal now continue their pre-season tour in Asia, with Arteta likely to hand further minutes to his new signings and emerging academy talents.