Arsenal fans are heading into the new season with plenty to get excited about — and their final game in Singapore just added to the buzz.
The Gunners edged past Newcastle in a lively 3-2 thriller, closing out their Far East tour with back-to-back wins.
But while the result mattered, the spotlight belonged to one teenager who’s turning heads fast.
Arsenal Come From Behind in Five-Goal Thriller
After already taking down AC Milan earlier in the week, Arsenal were looking to end their Asia swing on a high.
Things didn’t start perfectly, though — Newcastle struck first through Anthony Elanga.
But Arsenal quickly flipped the script with two goals in three minutes: a brilliant strike from Mikel Merino and a deflected own goal by Alex Murphy.
Jacob Murphy pulled one back for the Magpies after the break, but a late penalty calmly slotted by Martin Ødegaard sealed another win for Mikel Arteta’s side.
15-Year-Old Max Dowman Steals the Show Again
If you haven’t heard of Max Dowman yet, you soon will.
The 15-year-old winger was outstanding again, building on his impressive performance against AC Milan.
Had it not been for solid saves by Nick Pope and John Ruddy, he could’ve bagged his first Arsenal goal.
Despite getting bloodied by a stray Joelinton elbow, Dowman showed grit and fearlessness, later dancing past defenders to win the match-winning penalty — poetic justice considering it was Joelinton who brought him down.
Earlier in the week, it seemed far-fetched to imagine him at next summer’s World Cup.
But after this showing? Even seasoned reporters are rethinking that. If he keeps this up, Thomas Tuchel might just roll the dice on him.
Havertz Answers the Pressure… Kind Of
With new £64 million striker Viktor Gyokeres watching from the stands after his official unveiling, Kai Havertz delivered a mixed bag.
The German international grabbed two assists in the first half — one with a classy touch for Merino’s goal and another fierce cross that forced the own goal.
But when it came to finishing? Still lacking. A free header in the six-yard box went harmlessly over the bar.
With Gyokeres waiting in the wings, Havertz may need to sharpen up quickly if he wants to lead the line come August.
Elanga Delivers for Newcastle but Bigger Worries Linger
Anthony Elanga might be Newcastle’s only major summer signing so far, but at least he’s off the mark.
The Swedish speedster opened the scoring with a rather fortunate finish — the ball hit his left foot after a right-footed strike and rolled in off the post.
Eddie Howe was hoping to unleash a dynamic trio of Elanga, Gordon, and Isak this season, but with Isak pushing for a Liverpool move, that dream might be short-lived.
Elanga looked dangerous early on but faded as the half progressed — a theme that summed up Newcastle’s entire performance.
Newcastle’s Biggest Problem? Up Front and Unready
Let’s not beat around the bush — Newcastle need a striker, fast.
With Alexander Isak staying home and trying to force a transfer, the Magpies turned to William Osula to lead the line.
But the young Dane still looks like a work-in-progress.
Osula showed flashes of potential, including a sharp header that went just wide, but was often outfoxed — particularly by William Saliba, who handled him with ease.
He might be one for the future, but not the present.
In the meantime, Newcastle are working on a deal for Yoane Wissa, who has reportedly told Brentford he’s done playing for them if the move doesn’t go through.
Wissa believes he was promised a transfer this summer, and Newcastle could be hoping to capitalise.
Trippier Steps Up Amid the Chaos
One bright spot for Newcastle? Kieran Trippier. The veteran full-back showed his class and composure in a solid first-half showing.
With things looking unsettled behind the scenes — and Isak’s possible departure creating a leadership vacuum — Trippier might become even more vital to Howe’s plans.
There was talk earlier this summer about him possibly leaving, but after this performance, it’s clear he’s still got a major role to play.