There was a sense of familiarity surrounding the nature of Arsenal’s 1–0 victory over Milan to kick off the Gunners’ pre-season, despite the exuberance of youth and new arrivals.
Mikel Arteta’s side were certainly easing their way into the summer programme, yet they performed with measured control to keep Massimiliano Allegri’s side at arm’s length. In truth, facing up against an Allegri-led outfit in July was always going to be a nice fixture for Arsenal, who didn’t have to exert themselves all that much.
A familiar test now beckons for Arteta’s squad, with Newcastle next to take on the Gunners in Singapore. While the Magpies are currently clouded by Alexander Isak’s desire to leave and enter the tour off the back of a 4–0 defeat at Celtic last week, many are expecting a stiffer test on Sunday.
Here’s how Arsenal could line up for their second leg of their Asia tour.
