Every word Mikel Arteta said on Max Dowman, Gabriel injury, Viktor Gyokeres transfer and Nwaneri

Mikel Arteta has spoken to the media following Arsenal's 1-0 pre-season friendly win against AC Milan. The Gunners boss handed a debut to new signing Christian Norgaard in the first half of the contest before introducing Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi in the second half.

Arsenal did impress during the first 45 minutes and notably went close through Ethan Nwaneri and Riccardo Calafiori. They made the breakthrough shortly after the restart as Bukayo Saka was on hand to finish off a sublime Jakub Kiwior cross.

Arteta's men did go close to adding to their scoreline later in the contest but Mikel Merino and Leandro Trossard were denied. Both teams took part in a penalty shootout after the game which the Rossoneri won 6-5.

You can read a full transcript of what the Arsenal boss had to say below:

What are your thoughts on the performance and Bukayo Saka looking sharp after his injury last season?

We're all very happy with the performance, especially with the attitude, quality and domination that we showed throughout the game and obviously to win as well.

Regarding the individuals, a lot of them showed that they are ready and at really a good level. Bukayo is one of them. We have pushed him through the summer to catch up on a lot of things that he had to to give himself the best chance to exploit his qualities better and more highlighted and with more impact every time physically he's at the highest level.

Max Dowman came on performed well and scored a penalty in the shootout...

Very happy with all the kids. I think they are able to play at that level at 15 years old in my opinion because of the environment and culture that is within the team. When somebody makes you feel so comfortable and so confident straightaway you can go and do it. At least it gives you the best chance and then you have to have the qualities this kid has to deliver against opposition like this.

You finished with four academy graduates on the pitch and six in total, how happy does that make you for the future?

It's very good. There is a lot of work in our academy of the coaches, people involved and it is a moment to give opportunities and reward them. They certainly took their chance today in difficult circumstances against a very big team. Incredible how at 15 years old they can perform at that level.

Kai Havertz looks like he has bulked up in the summer, how did you see him today?

He's in a very good place. I think the game he had he was in three of four times completely free and the ball didn't arrive to him. The workrate which he offers to the team is top. He scored the other day against Watford and was very close a couple of times as well. Overall very happy with him.

Did Jurrien and Gabriel miss the game because of where they are in their training?

With Jurrien he is still not there. He is still not fully training yet with us. Gabby had a little niggle the other day in training. Because the fact that he has been out so long as well we have to manage him.

We have been in Spain, different pitch, different conditions, go to the UK, different ones, come here, again a lot of changes. We have to minimise the risk with him.

Thoughts on the Singapore crowd, did you expect more people to turn up?

I would have loved to have a full stadium but unfortunately it wasn’t the case. When they have been in and around the team they have always been extremely supportive. Hopefully the next games there is going to be more.

Will Singapore fans be able to see Viktor Gyokeres in the National Stadium for the Newcastle game?

You know that I am not going to play against any player that is not with us yet.

Is the plan for Max Dowman to give him a sight of the first team or will he get minutes next season?

We don’t know with all the young kids. At the end they are in and around the team constantly and they getting used to the dynamics and the demands. And especially raising the physical levels because the demands they need to perform and impact at the level is really high physical standards. They are getting there and that gives them a good platform and they will have to earn it.

What did you make of Ethan Nwaneri's performance and the position he played.

Really good. After a few holidays, those kids come back from the summer and they look different. Already they look more mature, they have a better presence. Ethan certainly has been training really hard. He only had a couple of training sessions with us so for him to be able to play 45 minutes in that heat is a really positive things. The same with Marli, the same with Josh, I'm really happy with all of them.

Players playing at high level?

There is always things to improve and try to find that cohesion with the players and share the minutes and everybody has to step up a level, we know that and we’re in a good direction.

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