In a preseason friendly played in Singapore on Sunday, Arsenal defeated Premier League rivals Newcastle United 3-2, with the standout player being the enthralling Max Dowman.
The game was intense and fierce, as is frequently the case between these two teams. Eddie Howe’s squad unexpectedly took the lead when Anthony Elanga’s unintentional goal got by Arsenal’s defense against the flow of play.
However, Arsenal, who showcased their new signing Viktor Gyokeres before kick-off, quickly regained control, leveling the match through Mikel Merino’s exquisite finish, which was followed just two minutes later by an own goal from Alex Murphy.
The Magpies fought back early in the second half, as Jacob Murphy equalized, setting the stage for a thrilling final period as both teams made substitutions.
Among the substitutes was the impressive 15-year-old Max Dowman, who fit right in with the senior squad and played a crucial role in winning the penalty that Martin Odegaard converted in the last ten minutes to seal the win for Arsenal at the National Stadium.
SPORTS MOLE’S VERDICT
Even though it was labeled as a friendly, the match between Arsenal and Newcastle was anything but tame, setting the tone for their competitive clashes in the 2025-26 season.
Both managers, Arteta and Howe, will surely be frustrated by defensive errors, yet Howe may take comfort from his team’s attacking resilience, especially with the uncertain status of Alexander Isak. The Magpies demonstrated they can create opportunities without their star player, though a new striker could boost their options.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s new number nine, Gyokeres, witnessed a thrilling comeback, while wonderkid Dowman slotted seamlessly into the team once more under Arteta’s guidance.
ARSENAL VS. NEWCASTLE HIGHLIGHTS
6th min: Arsenal 0-1 Newcastle (Anthony Elanga)
The Gunners’ defense is breached for the first time this pre-season!
Kieran Trippier and Sandro Tonali combine smartly on the right side, with Tonali delivering a perfect cutback for Elanga. Although he scuffs his shot, it unexpectedly fools David Raya and finds the net via the post.
33rd min: Arsenal 1-1 Newcastle (Mikel Merino)
Amid a series of defensive blunders from Newcastle, Merino keeps his cool!
Leandro Trossard plays a pass to Kai Havertz, who sets up Merino with a slick backheel, allowing the Spaniard to slot a calm first-time finish into the bottom corner.
35th min: Arsenal 2-1 Newcastle (Alex Murphy own goal)
The momentum shifts, and Arsenal gets the reward they deserve!
Trossard takes a quick free kick, finding Havertz, who looks for Bukayo Saka making a run. However, Alex Murphy inadvertently diverts the ball into his own net while attempting to intercept.
58th min: Arsenal 2-2 Newcastle (Jacob Murphy)
One Murphy redeems another!
Jacob Murphy seizes a loose ball in Arsenal’s box and, with seemingly no options, takes a touch and launches a low shot that somehow finds its way past Raya’s near post, just before the keeper is replaced by Kepa Arrizabalaga.
84th min: Arsenal 3-2 Newcastle (Martin Odegaard)
The Odegaard duo shines as the game approaches its close!
Dowman, electric since coming on, earns a penalty after being fouled by Joelinton during an impressive run. Odegaard steps up and, while goalkeeper John Ruddy guesses right, the Norwegian places the penalty perfectly into the net.
MAN OF THE MATCH – MAX DOWMAN
Yes, you read that correctly. He was outstanding.
After impressing against AC Milan earlier in the week, the 2009-born talent once again dazzled, demonstrating his capability among seasoned players. Dowman’s tireless runs down the right wing succeeded in testing both Pope and Ruddy and ultimately secured the decisive penalty. He looks ready to play a significant role in the first team this season.
