Arsenal’s Marli Salmon and Max Dowman, both aged 15, made appearances against AC Milan.
Mikel Arteta lauded the “incredible” performances of 15-year-olds Max Dowman and Marli Salmon as Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory over AC Milan in their pre-season opener in Singapore.
Summer acquisitions Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, and Kepa Arrizabalaga also debuted for the club in front of the Arsenal supporters.
Bukayo Saka scored the decisive goal from close range, capitalizing on an excellent cross from Jakub Kiwior.
Throughout the match, Arsenal largely maintained control, with Ben White and Saka exhibiting a strong partnership on the right flank.
Ethan Nwaneri, positioned in central midfield, demonstrated notable skill on two occasions, one of which led to a shot from the edge of the box that narrowly missed the target.
Manager Arteta provided playing time to the squad’s two 15-year-olds – forward Dowman and defender Salmon.
“It’s very positive,” Arteta commented regarding the young players. “Our academy has invested a great deal of work through its coaches and staff, and this is an opportunity to reward their efforts.
“They certainly seized their chance today in demanding circumstances against a formidable opponent. It’s incredible to see them perform at that level at just 15 years old.”
A penalty shootout was held regardless of the match result, with AC Milan winning 6-5.
Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Dowman, Leandro Trossard, and Josh Nichols converted their penalties, while Martin Odegaard, Reiss Nelson, Kiwior, and Salmon missed theirs.
Dowman successfully converted his penalty in the shootout.
Arsenal supporters are likely encouraged by the inclusion of numerous academy graduates on the tour, with Myles Lewis-Skelly, fellow 18-year-old Nichols, and 15-year-olds Dowman and Salmon concluding the game together on the pitch.
With Saka, Nwaneri, and Nelson also participating, Arsenal featured a total of seven academy graduates.
“I’m very pleased with all the young players,” Arteta added. “I believe they can perform at that level at 15 years old due to the team’s environment and culture.
“When someone makes you feel comfortable and confident right away, you can go and do it. At least it provides the best opportunity, and then you need the qualities that this kid possesses to deliver against opposition like this.”
Dowman has generated considerable excitement, with Arteta previously acknowledging his talent, and the youngster scored his penalty in the shootout.
“They are consistently involved with the team and are adapting to the dynamics and demands,” Arteta stated.
“They are progressing and that gives them a good platform and they will have to earn it.”
Arsenal secured a deserved victory against AC Milan in Singapore.
Arsenal have spent £128m this summer to sign Zubimendi, Norgaard and Kepa, as well as Noni Madueke – with Cristhian Mosquera and Viktor Gyokeres expected to follow.
Madueke has been granted a two-week break following his participation in the Club World Cup with Chelsea, but this match provided the first glimpse of how Arteta intends to utilize his new signings.
Norgaard was the only summer signing to start the match, assuming his preferred deep-lying midfield role.
The Denmark international provided a solid presence, allowing fellow midfielders Declan Rice and Nwaneri to advance.
Zubimendi, a £60m acquisition from Real Sociedad, entered as a half-time substitute and immediately influenced Arsenal’s tempo.
He possesses a broader passing range than Norgaard and demonstrated aspects of his repertoire, but the game’s flow was disrupted by the heat and numerous personnel changes.
Goalkeeper Kepa, signed from Chelsea, was largely untroubled during the 90 minutes but saved three of Milan’s penalties in the shootout.
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