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Arsenal’s prodigious talents Max Dowman and Marli Salmon were handed their first taste of senior action in the club’s pre-season opener against AC Milan, coming on just after the hour mark for Bukayo Saka, who was the sole scorer in the 1-0 victory, and centre back William Saliba.
Both only 15, the highly-rated duo have already sparked excitement at the club with Dowman previously described as “a huge talent” by Mikel Arteta, while Salmon has been tipped as the next Saliba.
“Yes, very happy with all the kids. I think they’re able to play at this level and get these results because of the environment and culture within the team. When someone makes you feel so pumped, so confident straight away, you can do it. It gives you the best chance, but you still have to have the qualities to actually deliver against an opposition like this,” Arteta said.
“It’s a moment to give opportunities, to reward them. And they certainly took their chance today in difficult circumstances against a very big team. But yeah, incredible how a 15-year-old can perform at that level,” he added, with Dowman coolly slotting home a penalty in the post-match shootout.
Despite being the first match of a hectic pre-season tour, Arteta was pleased with the fitness levels of his players.
“They are at a really good level. Bukayo is one of them. We have pushed him through the summer as well to catch up on things that he had to. He gave himself the best chance to score,” he said.
The Spaniard was also pleased with his fit-again forward Kai Havertz, who missed most of the second half of last season with a hamstring injury.
“He’s in a very good place. I think the game that he had — he was in three or four times, and came close a couple of times as well. Overall, very happy.”
Both sides fielded strong starting lineups with summer signings Christian Norgaard (Arsenal) and Samuel Ricci (Milan) getting their first start since joining their respective clubs earlier this month.
However, the teams played out a tepid first half with just a handful of half-chances that did little to stir the 22,813-strong crowd.
In the 23rd minute, Nwaneri turned his defender with a clever touch and fired a volley toward the bottom corner, but it was palmed away by Pietro Terracciano at full stretch.
The match resumed after the break with nine half-time substitutions — Arsenal’s six changes included new signings Martin Zubimendi and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
There was finally reason to cheer in the 53rd minute, when a looping delivery from substitute Jakub Kiwior found Bukayo Saka, who ghosted in behind the defence to bundle the cross home.
Belgian winger Leandro Trossard also tried his luck from 30 yards out, but his effort was tipped over by youngster Lorenzo Torriani.
The 1.97m-tall 20-year-old gave an impressive account of himself, saving four spot-kicks in a marathon shootout that went the distance with nine penalties each, ending 6-5 in Milan’s favour.
Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri was pleased with his team’s performance, going toe to toe with strong opposition.
“Arsenal showed over the last few years that they are a very strong team. They had a few very good seasons with great players. And to keep up with them for 60 minutes, it’s a good performance also from Milan,” Allegri said.
“(Rafael) Leao played a good match and did a good job, like the rest of the team. It’s obviously not nice to lose, but we are looking forward to the preparation for the season.”
The Italian also gave some insight into his thoughts on Brighton defender Pervis Estupinan’s recent switch to Milan.
“Estupinan is an excellent player, but (Davide) Bartesaghi did a very good job today against such a strong player like Saka. And the whole team, from the tactical point of view, did a lot of work and made a lot of sacrifices. Obviously, it’s the beginning of the season. So probably the open spaces that Milan found today could have been exploited better in future.”
With Arsenal set to face Newcastle United in the final match of the Tridentity Cup on Sunday (July 27), Arteta shared his thoughts on areas for improvement:
“There’s always things to improve — trying to find cohesion among the players, sharing minutes, and everyone has to step up a level.”
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