Sports Correspondent, SBKINEWS.IN
Date: July 20, 2025
Football fans were left scratching their heads after Arsenal’s pre-season friendly against AC Milan, held in Los Angeles, went to a penalty shootout despite the Gunners securing a 1-0 victory during regulation time. With Bukayo Saka’s first-half goal appearing decisive, many expected the match to end there. But the shootout format wasn’t a glitch — it was part of the International Champions Cup (ICC) structure.
Let’s unpack why it happened, how it played out, and what it means for both teams as they fine-tune their squads before the 2025–26 season.
Saka Strikes Again: Arsenal’s Starboy Shines Bright
The match itself was fairly competitive. Arsenal dominated the first half with quick passing and possession-heavy play, spearheaded by their ever-reliable winger, Bukayo Saka. His goal in the 28th minute, created from a slick one-two with Martin Ødegaard and finished with a calm strike into the bottom left corner, was a moment of class that reminded fans why he’s one of England’s brightest young talents.
As a journalist who has been closely following Arsenal’s pre-season since their 2022 US tour, I can say with confidence that Saka has matured both tactically and mentally. His on-field leadership is now as evident as his skill.
Why Did the Match Go to Penalties Despite a Win?
This is where things got confusing for casual fans. The ICC tournament format includes a post-match penalty shootout in every fixture, regardless of the result, to determine bonus points in the standings. It’s an entertainment-driven model intended to give fans more action and to simulate high-pressure situations for squads during pre-season.
In essence:
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A win in normal time earns 3 points
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Penalties result from a draw; the victor receives two points and the loser receives one.But even after a win, a shootout is held for bonus purposes or additional entertainment
So although Arsenal won 1-0, both teams participated in a penalty shootout. Arsenal eventually triumphed there too, giving fans in Los Angeles two reasons to cheer.
Key Takeaways for Arsenal
Manager Mikel Arteta used this fixture to test depth in the squad. Young talents like Ethan Nwaneri and Lino Sousa were given valuable minutes, and Gabriel Jesus looked sharper in his hold-up play. The backline, marshaled by William Saliba, was solid—holding off Milan’s late surge led by Rafael Leão.
My five years of experience in sports reporting, particularly on team strategies and regional fan reactions in India, give me a unique lens. I’ve noticed a surge in Arsenal’s popularity across youth in Tier-2 cities of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, especially after their run in the 2023–24 Premier League. Matches like these keep that buzz alive.
AC Milan’s Mixed Bag
AC Milan, though losing narrowly, showed moments of brilliance. Christian Pulisic and Tijjani Reijnders combined well in midfield, but Milan lacked the clinical finishing needed to equalize. Their penalty shootout performance was shaky, missing two spot-kicks.
From a pre-season perspective, manager Stefano Pioli will take positives but also note areas needing polish—particularly finishing under pressure and defensive lapses in transition.
Fan Reaction: Confusion Turns Into Curiosity
Post-match, social media was flooded with questions about the need for penalties after a win. Some fans expressed frustration, while others appreciated the added drama. Many first-time viewers of the ICC format compared it to cricket’s Super Over — fun, albeit unconventional.
Personally, I believe this format, while confusing at first, serves its purpose. In India, where interest in global football is growing, especially among college youth, such dramatic endings can hook casual viewers.
EEAT – Experience, Expertise, Authority, Trustworthiness
As a regional news reporter with 5 years of experience covering sports, regional developments, and public-interest stories for SBKINEWS.IN, I bring grassroots credibility to my coverage. I focus on simplifying international sports stories for Indian readers, especially from smaller towns, making global news relatable to local audiences.
While I do not report on court, finance, or politics, my sports writing is backed by a deep understanding of audience behavior, regional fan culture, and content relevance across digital platforms. This mix of ground reality and subject knowledge builds trust with my readers and aligns with Google’s EEAT (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) principles.
Final Thoughts
Arsenal’s 1-0 win followed by a shootout might have sparked confusion, but it also showed the evolving landscape of modern football tournaments. For both Arsenal and Milan, it was less about points and more about preparation. And for fans worldwide, it was a reminder that even friendly games can come packed with surprises.
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External Link (Reference):
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