Arsenal 3-2 Newcastle: Who impressed? What did we learn? Key takeaways for Mikel Arteta

Two for two in Singapore, Arsenal fought back from a goal down to defeat Premier League rivals Newcastle United 3-2 in Sunday’s pre-season friendly.

Mikel Arteta‘s men fell behind to an Anthony Elanga strike early doors but turned the tie on its head before the break through a Mikel Merino finish and an Alex Murphy own goal.

The latter’s namesake Jacob Murphy drew Newcastle level early in the second half, but a clinical Martin Odegaard penalty towards the end propelled Arsenal to a richly-deserved win.

Here, Sports Mole looks at what we have learned from the Gunners’ success over Newcastle in Singapore.

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Arsenal 3-2 Newcastle: Masterful Max Dowman dominates the pitch

As has been well-documented for the past several months, Max Dowman is still only 15 years old, but it already feels as though we are running out of superlatives to describe him.

The teenager showed glimpses of his potential against AC Milan, but he ran the show after coming on against Newcastle, forcing strong saves from Nick Pope and John Ruddy before his decisive contribution.

Dowman zipped past Matt Targett and forced a foul from Joelinton in the penalty area after a magnificent solo run, allowing Odegaard to convert the game-winning spot kick in the final 10 minutes.

The player pictured above was too young to make his Premier League debut last year, but he stood out among a crop of seasoned professionals today, further justifying the enormous hype.

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Arsenal 3-2 Newcastle: Defensive lapses

Arsenal came into Sunday’s battle boasting two clean sheets from two friendly matches so far this summer, but their perfect defensive record was wiped out just six minutes in.

Myles Lewis-Skelly has not put many feet wrong since emerging onto the first-team scene, but there is an argument that he did not get close enough to Sandro Tonali before the Italian’s assist for Elanga, who was also not picked up in the box.

Arteta’s men could have also done more to prevent Jacob Murphy from getting a shot away from 20 yards, but questions may also be asked of David Raya after the ball sneaked in at his near post.

The Magpies continued to generate chances approaching full time, and while they may not have been taken, the warning signs are there.

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Arsenal 3-2 Newcastle: Another concern for Riccardo Calafiori

Backed for a big 2025-26 season after his debut season was disrupted by injury, Riccardo Calafiori sustained yet another blow just four minutes into the second half of Sunday’s game.

The Italian went down of his own accord before being replaced by Jakub Kiwior, the latest in a long line of career fitness setbacks for the 2024 summer signing.

Arteta should not have much information on Calafiori’s problem yet, but the Gunners boss could do without another defensive concern while Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber remain unavailable.

However, if Calafiori is not risked for the clash with Tottenham Hotspur in Hong Kong on Thursday, the door should open for Cristhian Mosquera to make his first appearance in Arsenal colours