Arsenal kicked off their pre-season tour of Asia with a 1-0 win over AC Milan, and Mikel Arteta was full of praise for both his summer signings and a couple of fresh-faced academy kids who stole the spotlight in Singapore.

The Gunners fielded all three new signings – Christian Norgaard, Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga – at the Singapore National Stadium, while also handing senior debuts to two 15-year-olds, Max Dowman and Marli Salmon. Not a bad way to start the first of three fixtures in the region.

The only goal of the game came in the second half, when Bukayo Saka bounced home a fine cross by Jakub Kiwior. Milan went on to win the post-match penalty shootout (because pre-season is weird like that), but the focus remained on what Arteta called a “very consistent performance”.

“It’s good, winning and a clean sheet as well, overall a very good performance, a very consistent performance throughout the game,” Arteta told Arsenal.com.

“We had a lot of changes, we’ve seen the players are playing at a very high level.

“A big joy as well to watch so many young kids playing at 15, 16, 17 years old performing at that level, overall, very good.”

The manager was particularly pleased with how seamlessly the new arrivals slotted in. Norgaard and Zubimendi split duties at the base of midfield, while Kepa, a second half sub, saved three penalties in the shootout.

“I think they adapted really quickly, really fast,” said Arteta.

“It’s an incredible group of players that we have and they’ve made them feel straightaway very welcome and you can tell, they were very loose, very relaxed, very confident in everything that they did and, again, a very positive performance.”

Still, it was the kids who stole the show – two lads too young to buy a lotto ticket, let alone a pint.

Dowman, who spent last season training with the senior squad but wasn’t old enough to play competitively, looked composed and tidy in midfield. Salmon, playing in a typically more seasoned position at the back, showed maturity well beyond his years.

“I’m very happy with all the kids. I think they are able to play at that level, with 15-year-olds, in my opinion, because of the environment, and the culture that is within the team,” Arteta told his post-game press conference. 

“And when somebody makes you feel so comfortable, so confident, straight away you can go and do it. Obviously, it gives you the best chance; you have to have the qualities that this kid has.”

Whether Dowman or Salmon can muscle their way into first-team reckoning come the Premier League opener on 17th August remains to be seen, but Arteta seems keen to keep the door ajar.

“It’s very good. It’s a lot of work, in our academy, all the coaches, people involved, and it’s a moment to give opportunities, to reward them, and they certainly took the chance today, in difficult circumstances, against a very big team.

“It’s incredible how, at 15 years old, they can perform at that level.”

“We don’t know [the plan for Dowman],” he added. “With all the young kids at the end, they are in and around the team constantly, and they are really used to the dynamics, the demands, and especially raising the physical levels, because the demands, and actually to be able to perform and impact the game at that level, it demands really, really high physical standards, and they are getting that, and that gives them another platform, and then they will have to earn it.”

Arsenal return to the same stadium on Sunday to face Newcastle United, and by then Arteta could have another new face at his disposal. Cristhian Mosquera’s move from Valencia is expected to be announced shortly, with the Spain under-21 international offering depth at the back.

Much needed too with Gabriel Magalhaes still working his way back to full fitness and Jurrien Timber sidelined following ankle surgery.

“Jurrien is still not there, he’s not fully trained yet with us. Gabi had a little niggle the other day in training, and because of the fact that he’s been out for so long as well, we have to manage him.

“We’ve been in Spain, different pitch, different conditions, go to the UK, different ones come here, and there are a lot of changes, so we have to minimise the risk with him.”

Plenty of positives then, with one win in the bag, the kids making waves, and new signings showing promise.