Arsenal 2 AC Milan 1: Ben White makes return after early England World Cup exit as Gunners win Dubai Super Cup
BEN WHITE returned to action for Arsenal for the first time since leaving the England squad as the Gunners continued their preparation for the Premier League’s return.
Martin Odegaard and Reiss Nelson were both on target for Mikel Arteta‘s side in a 2-1 win over AC Milan in Dubai, a result which saw the Gunners win the Dubai Super Cup.
ReutersBen White made his return to action after leaving England’s squad early[/caption]
ReutersMartin Odegaard celebrates scoring the first goal against AC Milan[/caption]
But there will be more excitement for Gunners fans over the return of White.
The defender dropped out of the England camp early last month due to “personal reasons” amid an alleged fallout with assistant manager Steve Holland.
White rejoined his teammates on Sunday after a short break and played the first 45 minutes at right-back here, while Ghana international Thomas Partey also started for the first time after the World Cup.
Arsenal strolled past Lyon in the first of two friendlies in the Middle East last week, beating the French side 3-0.
But they were facing a more difficult task against the Italian champions, with former Liverpool man Divock Origi delivering a shot across the box early on.
Origi drove forward and turned Rob Holding on the edge of the box before sending an effort onto the crossbar.
After a spell of Milan pressure, Arsenal regained control and went about finding a way through the Italian defence.
After Odegaard clipped a clever ball through for Eddie Nketiah, the Gunners forward was brought down by Pierre Kalulu on the edge of the box.
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AFPArsenal stars celebrate after Reiss Nelson doubled Arsenal’s tally[/caption]
AFPMikel Arteta has overseen back to back wins in the Middle East[/caption]
Arsenal captain Odegaard stepped up and sent a dipping free-kick over the wall and well past Ciprian Tatarusanu, the AC Milan keeper, who was rooted to the spot.
And The Gunners doubled their lead shortly before the break.
Moments after taking a whack to the face from Sandro Tonali, Fabio Vieira found space inside the Milan box and laid it square to Nelson, whose low shot was deflected leaving Tatarusanu helpless.
In added time at the end of the first half Nelson had the chance to seal a second victory during their time here but fired over after being played in by Nketiah.
With under 15 minutes on the clock, former Chelsea man Fikayo Tomori pulled one back for Milan as he rose highest to head home from Tonali’s free-kick.
Games during this tournament have all ended with a penalty shootout regardless of the result, with a bonus point up for grabs for the victors.
Having beaten Lyon in the shootout last week, Arsenal claimed another victory with Karl Hein saving from former Manchester City man Brahim Diaz before Rade Krunic missed from 12 yards, failing to capitalise on Matt Smith’s saved spot-kick.
