Arsenal beat AC Milan in their pre-season friendly(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Bukayo Saka netted Arsenal’s opening goal of the pre-season, helping the Gunners clinch a well-deserved victory over AC Milan in Singapore. Mikel Arteta gave all his new signings a run out and also handed debuts to two young lads from the academy.

Noni Madueke is yet to join the squad after his recent transfer from Chelsea, while Viktor Gyokeres’ move from Sporting Lisbon is still pending confirmation.

However, Arteta did give Christian Norgaard his first outing from the start, with fellow newcomers Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga coming off the bench alongside 15-year-old academy prodigies Max Dowman and Marli Salmon.

Arsenal didn’t face a single shot on target in a match they could have won by a larger margin.

Here are the key points as the Gunners gear up for the upcoming season.

Bukayo Saka found the net in the friendly(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

The England winger was given the captain’s armband for this match and was Arsenal’s most dynamic player during a predictably scrappy first half, reports the Mirror.

His partnership with Ben White, who certainly had something to prove after a challenging time with injuries last season, was evident from the get-go.

However, his deadlock-busting goal came eight minutes into the second half, courtesy of a tantalising cross from Jakub Kiwior on the opposite wing. The finish was expertly executed with his left foot from six yards out, just about keeping himself onside.

Saka has enjoyed a proper summer break that should do him a world of good. Expect him to hit the ground running this season while others at rival clubs are still shaking off their holiday lethargy.

Christian Norgaard made his debut(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

The standout aspect of Arteta’s strategy and tweaks was the wealth of choices in the midfield – a promising sign for a gruelling season ahead. Even if injuries crop up, the depth of the bench seems significantly stronger.

Christian Norgaard was given the nod from the get-go, seemingly forming a double pivot alongside Declan Rice, with Ethan Nwaneri given free rein upfront.

Then Martin Zubimendi replaced Norgaard, adding a bit more offensive flair, while Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino did their thing as Arsenal dominated the second half.

Gabriel Martinelli is still missing his goal scoring touch(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Well, it’s still gathering dust. Arteta’s expanded attacking options will only ramp up the pressure on the winger to convert his potential, thrilling runs and slick build-up play into actual goals.

He showed flashes of threat in the first half against Milan before being subbed out for Leandro Trossard.

However, if Martinelli continues with the goal drought that had supporters pulling their hair out last season, he might soon see himself slipping down the ranks.

Max Dowman impressed on his debut(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

There’s already been a lot written about 15 year old Dowman, with the social media hype perhaps a bit much considering he’s still got loads of growing to do.

He jumped right into the fray when subbed on with about 25 minutes left, darting down the right and dishing out a few neat and confident passes.

There was no sign of nerves when he cut in and took a shot that deflected harmlessly wide, and he slotted his penalty smoothly. Dowman’s goal now must be to shine in further appearances on tour, hoping to be in the mix for cup games later in the season.

Mikel Arteta handed out several debuts(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

This wasn’t a good day for those convinced that Arteta is hesitant to give the youngsters a go.

Dowman was joined by another 15 year old, Marli Salmon, who came on at the same time for William Saliba, while 18 year old Josh Nichols stepped in at right back as White’s substitute.

Indeed, it’s unlikely they’ll be in the squad for the Premier League kick-off against Manchester United on 17th August – but these are crucial times for academy lads, significant milestones in their growth.

And not all Premier League gaffers would be as open to fielding youngsters like Dowman and Salmon regardless of the occasion.