The 39,000 fans who attended Arsenal’s 3-2 win over Newcastle at the Singapore National Stadium were treated to five goals, a glimpse of a brand-new summer signing, as well as an eye-catching cameo from a potential star of the future.
Newcastle took the lead with a goal from new recruit Anthony Elanga, before Arsenal scored two in quick succession — the first a neat finish from Mikel Merino, the second an own goal from Alex Murphy.
His namesake, Jacob Murphy, equalised to make it 2-2, before a brilliant run from substitute Max Dowman ended in Joelinton conceding a penalty, which Martin Odegaard converted for the winning goal.
Arsenal fly to Hong Kong on Tuesday before facing north London neighbours Tottenham in the final match of their tour on July 31.
James McNicholas breaks down the main talking points from Arsenal’s second victory of pre-season.
Viktor Gyokeres introduced to Arsenal fans
Arsenal fans attending this pre-season friendly got a special pre-game treat. Shortly before kick-off, Arsenal’s new signing, Sweden international striker Viktor Gyokeres, was paraded on the pitch.
Gyokeres completed his move to Arsenal on Saturday night — although when the deal was actually announced, it was 2am local time on Sunday in Singapore. Gyokeres, accompanied by Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta, touched down at Changi Airport late on Sunday afternoon. Within a few hours, the striker was out on the field to meet the adoring local fans.
Despite the 13-hour flight, Gyokeres looked surprisingly fresh. The question now is how quickly Mikel Arteta intends to integrate him into the squad. Arsenal have the final friendly of their tour against Tottenham in Hong Kong on Thursday, July 31 — will Gyokeres be ready to have some involvement?
How will Gyokeres’ arrival impact Kai Havertz?
Arsenal have signed Gyokeres for an initial £55million, but they have another centre-forward who cost £65m when he joined from Chelsea in 2023: Kai Havertz.
The German international started this friendly in the No 9 position and impressed with two good assists (Havertz’s driven cross was turned into his own net by Newcastle’s Alex Murphy). Gyokeres’ arrival increases the competition for places, but it’s difficult to imagine anyone simply brushing Havertz aside: when the former Chelsea forward is fit, he tends to play.
Perhaps Arteta will embrace more rotation next season. Havertz is coming back from a hamstring injury he suffered in February — one that might have been avoided if he’d been afforded more rest.
A bulked-up Havertz took a buffeting in this game before being withdrawn on the hour mark. The centre-forward role is physically demanding and there are certainly enough fixtures to be shared around.
Havertz’s versatility also means he could potentially play certain games alongside Gyokeres. In this friendly, Merino ostensibly played the left No 8 position, but was often operating in advanced areas close to Havertz. This was most evident on Arsenal’s first goal, when Havertz flicked the ball into Merino’s path for a first-time finish.
In that instance, Havertz and Merino almost looked like a front two. Could we see Havertz and Gyokeres combining in a similar fashion this season? While naturally keeping his cards close to his chest, Arteta didn’t rule that out.
“Yeah, we do have plans,” he said. ‘We do have a lot of options and we are increasing the quality of the squad and the depth of the squad with all the signings that we’ve done.
“We are super happy to have Viktor with us. It’s been a long journey to get him over here. He’s been incredible. He was very clear from the beginning where he wanted to play and how passionate I felt from him from day one when we first spoke. You can see the boys — you can see the environment as well — (are) very excited with his arrival.”
An unfriendly friendly
Recent fixtures between Arsenal and Newcastle have had plenty of needle and this was no exception.
One of the considerations when playing pre-season games against Premier League teams is that they’re not always entirely ‘friendly’. Add in that antipathy between these two teams and this game was always going to have a more competitive edge. This supposed exhibition actually saw two yellow cards issued in the first 45 minutes, amid a succession of meaty challenges.
Arsenal did not emerge unscathed — Riccardo Calafiori departed straight down the tunnel clutching his thigh.
On the touchline, at one stage in the second half, when Arsenal were denied a free kick in their defensive third, Arteta just stared at the fourth official in disbelief.
Max Dowman gets the better of Joelinton
After impressing in a cameo against Milan on Wednesday, 15-year-old Dowman was brought on with half an hour remaining in the game.
He received an unceremonious welcome — having beaten Joelinton in midfield, he was immediately scythed down by the Brazilian.
It didn’t seem to faze Dowman at all, though. The teenager was twice denied after dangerous attempts at goal.
Dowman then created the winner, driving into the penalty area with a determined run. Once again, it was Joelinton chasing him. This time, the foul resulted in a penalty kick, converted by Odegaard.
These are just friendly games, but they’re against a good quality of opposition. Dowman not only hasn’t looked out of place, he’s been one of the most threatening players on the pitch. At such a young age, it’s quite remarkable and his manager agrees.
“Yeah, it is special,” said Arteta. “Obviously, what he’s done today against this team in the time that he had on the pitch is something certainly not common to witness for a 15-year-old.
“We are extremely happy to have him. I think, again, the environment that he’s around in — his family, the people at the club and around the academy as well — (is) super helpful because they put him into this position so early in his journey, having a real chance and a real presence when he plays.”
(Top photo: Mikel Merino celebrates his goal against Newcastle; by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)
