Why Arsenal Won Trophy in Singapore Despite Losing Penalty Shootouts to AC Milan
- Arsenal were bizarrely handed a trophy despite losing post-match penalty shootouts to AC Milan in Singapore
- The Gunners beat Massimiliano Allegri's side in normal time thanks to a Bukayo Saka goal in the 53rd minute
- The game was the first of the three games Mikel Arteta's side intends to play in the East before returning to England
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Arsenal started their preseason tour in Singapore on a high note after they beat AC Milan on Wednesday, July 23.
Source: Getty Images
The game, which was held at the National Stadium in Kallang, was part of the Singapore Football Festival.
Bukayo Saka scored the only goal of the game inside 90 minutes after tapping in Jakub Kiwior's cross from close range.
The game gave Mikel Arteta the chance to assess his new signings with Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard all getting a taste of the action.
Why Arsenal took penalties despite winning vs AC Milan
Bizarrely, the game went into post-match shootouts after 90 minutes despite Arsenal winning in regulation time.
Normally, football games only require penalties if there is no clear winner at the end of the game.
But given that this was a friendly, it had been communicated in advance that there would be shootouts irrespective of the final result.
This is to allow teams to practice how to take penalties as well in preparation for the new season.
This gave Arsenal fans a chance to see how good their new goalkeeper Arrizabalaga is at saving penalties.
The former Chelsea custodian stopped three AC Milan penalties, but it wasn't enough as they lost 5-6.
Martin Odegaard, Reiss Nelson, Jakub Kiwior, and Marli Ellis Salmon all missed from six yards out.
Why Arsenal lifted the trophy despite losing in penalties to AC Milan
So, how come Arsenal were handed the trophy despite losing the spot kicks?
As GMS explains, the game ended after 90 minutes and thus the penalties were more of an entertainment and more thrilling for the fans.
The penalties could have been absolutely necessary had the game ended in a draw, but thanks to Saka's goal, Arsenal had already won the trophy.
The celebrations were subdued as Captain Odegaard failed to even lift the trophy up. He simply placed it on the ground and posed for photos with his teammates.
Source: Getty Images
YaGunner said,
"I will never understand playing penalties in a game of football that ended 1-0. It's weird."
Ankur Pandey said,
"CHAMPIONS of the Tridentity Cup! Arsenal’s pre-season form is fire — youth shining, squad clicking, mentality unmatched. This isn’t just silverware, it’s a warning shot. We’re ready."
While Papi Official said,
"That friendly tournament trophy cabinet is getting pretty full! Nice momentum heading into the new season, but the real tests are still ahead."
Mikel Arteta reacts after winning Tridentity Cup
Arteta was elated to start the preseason with a win as they seek to build up positively towards the start of next season.
"Yeah, there are always things to improve, and try to find that cohesion, within the players, and share the minutes, and everybody has to step up a level. We know that, and we’re certainly in a good direction," as captured on Arsenal's website.
The Spanish manager also had a lot of praise for the academy kids. The Gunners finished the match with four academy graduates on the pitch.
"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."
What next for Arsenal?
Arsenal will be in action on August 27 when they play Newcastle United in Singapore. They will fly to Hong Kong, where they will play their North London rivals, Tottenham.
Afterwards, they will return to England, where they will face Spanish sides Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao before the new season.
3 players Arsenal could sign after landing Viktor Gyokeres
In a separate report, Arsenal are still pursuing more players even after landing top priority, Viktor Gyokeres.
The club finally reached a deal with Sporting Lisbon to sign the Swede striker to sort out their problems upfront.
Arsenal could still sign more players, with Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze one of the targets.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
