Riccardo Calafiori and Alex Iwobi react to Bukayo Saka’s ‘love’ message
Bukayo Saka has posted a message on social media following Arsenal’s friendly clash with AC Milan.
The Gunners won 1-0 against the Italian giants in Singapore on Wednesday in their first friendly of the summer, with Saka popping up with the only goal in the 52nd minute.
Mikel Arteta fielded a strong line-up for the match, while Christian Norgaard, Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga all made their debuts — alongside an appearance from 15-year-old Max Dowman, who has caught the eye with the senior team.
A penalty shootout followed the 90 minutes, with Milan this time emerging victorious 6-5 after missed Arsenal spot-kicks from Martin Odegaard, Reiss Nelson, Jakub Kiwior and Marli Salmon.
Bukayo Saka sends Singapore message after beating AC Milan
After the match, Saka took to Instagram to thank the bumper crowd that turned out at the National Stadium.
“Singapore,” Saka wrote, with hand-waving and Singapore flag emojis. “Thank you for all the love!”
A host of Saka’s Arsenal teammates were quick to react to his post, with likes from Riccardo Calafiori, Declan Rice, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Max Dowman and Leandro Trossard, as well as the club itself.
Former Gunner Alex Iwobi also liked the post, as did Ipswich Town’s Omari Hutchinson.
Up next for Arsenal is another friendly against Premier League rivals Newcastle United on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta given stark warning as pressure increases
Arsenal appear on the verge of finally signing Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP.
It’s hoped the Swedish striker can deliver the goals to convert the Gunners from three-in-a-row Premier League runners-up to champions for the first time since their 2003/04 invincible season.
Alongside Gyokeres, Arsenal have spent big on the likes of Zubimendi, Norgaard and Noni Madueke this summer.
With that in mind, many supporters won’t accept anything else than a trophy, and former Crystal Palace chief Simon Jordan believes Arteta will pay with his job if he doesn’t deliver silverware.
“Arteta has to win something this year,” Jordan said.
“I think there’s only so many times that you can keep on evolving to being a team that’s progressing, to eventually a team with potential, and somewhere along the line, the potential has to be realised.
“I thought Arsenal would win the league last year and the opportunity to win the league was there for them.
“Man City declined, and okay, Liverpool stepped up, but Arsenal didn’t.
“With that in mind, and given the fact Arteta has been backed, and he’s been backed extensively and repeatedly.
“If he gets the players he’s asking for this season, which he is getting in Zubimendi and the centre-forward, I think if he doesn’t win something rather significant, whether that’s a cup or the league, I think he’ll find himself in a situation where Arsenal will change.”