July 27, (THEWILL) — Arsenal claimed a narrow 3-2 victory over Newcastle United in a preseason friendly at Singapore’s National Stadium on Sunday. The match, part of both clubs’ summer tours, saw a lively start as Newcastle’s Anthony Elanga opened the scoring in the 12th minute, capitalising on Sandro Tonali’s cutback. Arsenal responded before half-time with Mikel Merino’s composed finish and an Alex Murphy own goal to lead 2–1.
Newcastle levelled early in the second half through Jacob Murphy, but Arsenal’s persistent pressure paid off when 15-year-old substitute Max Dowman won a penalty after a foul by Joelinton. Martin Ødegaard converted the 84th-minute spot-kick to seal the win. Newcastle’s Harrison Ashby missed a late chance to equalise, denied by Arsenal’s backup keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, rotated his squad extensively, with new signing, Viktor Gyökeres, presented to fans pre-match. Teenagers Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri featured prominently, while Newcastle’s lineup included recent arrivals, Elanga and Ashby. Both sides fielded experimental lineups, making 10 and 11 substitutions respectively.
Elanga, named Player of the Match, impressed on his Newcastle debut with a goal and dynamic wing play. For Arsenal, Merino and Kai Havertz stood out, the latter involved in both first-half goals. Defensive errors plagued Newcastle, particularly Alex Murphy’s own goal and Joelinton’s costly foul.
The result extends Arsenal’s preseason winning streak after their 1-0 victory over AC Milan earlier in the tour. Meanwhile, Newcastle have now conceded seven goals in two friendlies following their 4–0 loss to Celtic.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
