AC MILAN LOSE 2-1 TO ARSENAL IN THE DUBAI SUPER CUP

The Dubai Super Cup began with a defeat for the Rossoneri. At the Al-Maktoum Stadium, Arsenal ran out 2-1 winners, a result that means the English side are already the tournament winners thanks to their previous victory over Lyon. AC Milan were generally the better team in the first half but undeservedly fell behind and then paid the price for an individual error just before the break. Ødegaard and Nelson were the players who got on the scoresheet for the current Premier League leaders, with Tomori’s headed goal proving to be a mere consolation.

In this particular tournament, there’s a penalty shootout after the full-time whistle whatever the scoreline. However, Pioli’s men failed to pick up the bonus point on offer as Díaz and Krunić missed from the spot. Nevertheless, it was a good test at this important stage of the season, also bearing in mind the team’s absences right now. There were also some promising signs from Primavera players Bozzolan and El Hilali. Now, the Diavolo’s training camp will continue with nine days of hard work and, most notably, their final fixture of the Dubai Super Cup: at 19:30 (local time) on Friday 16 December, they’ll face Liverpool at the Al-Maktoum Stadium, with the Reds also on zero points after the opening matchday.

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM ARSENAL v AC MILAN

MATCH REPORT

The match was hard-fought and played at a fast pace early on. The first big opportunity came Origi’s way in the eleventh minute following a fine team move that also involved Saelemaekers and Rebić, with the Belgian turning brilliantly before hitting the bar with a right-footed strike. AC Milan were looking lively as Pobega and Saelemakers threatened, but Arsenal opened the scoring on the 21-minute mark: Ødegaard let fly with a free-kick that left Tătăruşanu rooted to the spot. On the half-hour mark, Adli played in an excellent cross for Origi, who could only head wide from close range. In the 42nd minute, Tătăruşanu conceded possession and Nelson took full advantage, firing home via a deflection. The same player had another chance right at the end of the half, but he failed to keep his shot down.

Thiaw and Díaz came on at half-time, followed by Lazetić in the early stages of the second half. The Rossoneri struggled to mount anything in attack as the English side asserted control, with both Elneny (58’) and Vieira (62’) shooting over from promising positions. With plenty of changes being made, the match slowed down and chances became few and far between. Then, almost out of nowhere, Tomori gave the Rossoneri hope after 78 minutes, rising highest to meet Tonali’s free-kick with his head to reduce the arrears. Pioli’s men looked to push forward in the closing stages and Tonali had an attempt at goal, but they were unable to find an equaliser.

MATCH DETAILS

ARSENAL 2-1 AC MILAN

ARSENAL (4-3-3): Hein; White (46' Soares), Holding, Gabriel, Tierney; Ødegaard, Partey (46' Elneny), Lokonga (90' Smith); Vieira (74' Marquinhos), Nketiah (81' Butler-Oyedeji), Nelson. Subs: Graczyk; Cîrjan, Foran, Sagoe Jr., Smith, Lewis-Skelly, Nwaneri, Cozier-Duberry, Da Cruz Sousa, Walters. Coach: Arteta.

AC MILAN (4-2-3-1): Tătăruşanu; Kalulu (46' Thiaw), Gabbia, Tomori, Pobega (74' Bozzolan); Vranckx (74' Bennacer), Tonali; Saelemaekers (46' Díaz), Adli (74' Krunić), Rebić (74' El Hilali); Origi (56' Lazetić). Subs: Jungdal, Mirante; Bakoune, Simić. Coach: Pioli.

Referee: Sultan Mohamed Saleh (UAE).
Goals: 21' Ødegaard (A), 42' Nelson (A), 78' Tomori (M).
Booked: 72' Nketiah (A), 77' Elneny (A).
Penalty shootout: Soares (A) goal, Bennacer (M) goal, Gabriel (A) goal, Díaz (M) missed, Marquinhos (A) goal, Tonali (M) goal, Elneny (A) goal, Lazetić (M) goal, Smith (A) missed, Krunić (M) missed.

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