Mikel Merino was on the scoresheet for Arsenal in the first half (Image: Getty)
Arsenal continued their pre-season preparations with a clash against fellow Premier League outfit Newcastle United in Singapore. The vibes were high ahead of kick-off following the Viktor Gyokeres announcement and in-stadium presentation, but it was Newcastle who found the net first.
Anthony Elanga netted his first goal in Newcastle colours to put the Magpies ahead, yet the scoreline was tipped on its head prior to half-time, with Arsenal netting twice in two minutes to level things up. Mikel Merino converted Kai Havertz’s delightful lay-off to equalise with a classy finish into the left-hand corner, with an unfortunate Alex Murphy own goal putting Arsenal ahead moments later.
Newcastle rallied in the second half and levelled things up themselves, this time through Jacob Murphy whose outside-of-the-box effort took a slight deflection en route to the goal. But Arsenal would have the final say, with substitute Martin Odeegard netting a composed penalty, which was won by starlet Max Dowman, to secure a welcome pre-season victory.
Express Sport runs through the Arsenal player ratings from their friendly against Newcastle.
David Raya – 6
Wrong-footed for the Newcastle opener, but given Elanga’s mis-hit, there wasn’t much David Raya could’ve done. Similiarly for the second goal, a slight deflection made Raya’s job difficult, leaving him with not much hope of making a save.
Ben White – 4
Ought to have done much better for Elanga’s goal, with Ben White caught in no man’s land a little bit. Not what the Englishman would’ve been hoping for, given he’ll be facing an uphill battle to wrestle the starting spot off Jurrien Timber.
William Saliba – 6
Looked his usual comfortable self in possession and wasn’t at fault for either of Newcastle goals.
Riccardo Calafiori – 6
Deployed at centre-back, Riccardo Calafiori was also keeping the ball ticking over for Arsenal, who were keen to build up from the back as much as possible. The Italian did at times wander out of position, which could’ve and probably should’ve been exploited better by Newcastle. Hobbled off with a suspected injury very early into the second half.
Read more: Alexander Isak dealt Arsenal blow as Viktor Gyokeres makes demand after transfer
Arsenal shone at times in Singapore (Image: Getty)
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6
Meandering up and down the left flank with typical ease and fired a couple of dangerous crosses into the Newcastle penalty area.
Mikel Merino – 8
Often an unlikely source of goals for Arsenal last season, Mikel Merino showed his finishing ability once again with a stylish left-footed effort to level things up. Perhaps more impressively though was his determination to win the ball back for the goal, with Merino displaying both sides of his versatile game well.
Martin Zubimendi – 6
Kept things ticking over in the middle of the park and looked right at home amongst his new team-mates. However, Martin Zubimendi did struggle with the defensive aspects at times, which could be something to watch out for if Arsenal are ever without Declan Rice.
Ethan Nwaneri – 5
There had been talk that Ethan Nwaneri might need to move away for regular game time following the flurry of additions this summer. Alas, it looks as if a new contract is about to follow, but he’ll be keen to impress Arteta, given the competition for places in the squad. That didn’t happen today, with the youngster pretty quiet throughout the contest.
Leandro Trossard – 7
There is speculation that Leandro Trossard could be one of the fall guys for Arsenal’s summer business, with talk a move away from the Emirates Stadium could be forthcoming. He didn’t do his case to stick around at Arsenal any harm with a tidy showing in the Far East.
Bukayo Saka – 6
Saw plenty of the ball during the first half, but Bukayo Saka lacked his usual star dust during the first half, with most of his crosses and shots blocked by the Newcastle defenders. He came close with an acrobatic effort in the second half, but it was clear the attacker was just going through the motions.
Kai Havertz – 7
Would’ve no doubt been hoping for a strong performance following the arrival of Gyokeres, and while he didn’t get on the scoresheet, Kai Havertz showed incredible awareness with a cheeky flick to assist Merino’s equaliser. It was a timely message sent by the attacker, who will be battling Gyokeres for the starting striker spot.
Read more: Viktor Gyokeres breaks silence on snubbing Man Utd for Arsenal after Arteta chat
Martin Odegaard shone for Arsenal when he came off the bench (Image: Getty)
Substitutes:
Martin Odegaard – 6
Immediately changed the intensity of Arsenal’s attack when introduced at half-time, with Martin Odegaard demonstrating the ability that has seen him establish himself as one of world football’s best playmakers. Sent a stinging shot the way of Newcastle’s goal, with Nick Pope forced into a sharp save. Stepped up and tucked home the penalty that won Arsenal the game.
Jakub Kiwior – 6
Came off the bench to replace the injured Calafiori and didn’t put a foot wrong.
Kepa Arrizabalaga – 5
Banked around 30 minutes following his penalty heroics in Arsenal’s first pre-season friendly earlier this week. But Kepa Arrizabalaga was almost made to pay when a loose pass saw Lewis Miley float a shot just over the crossbar.
Max Dowman – 8
Danced his way through the Newcastle defence and was a fingertip save away from netting what would’ve likely proved a winning goal. Max Dowman continued to terrorise his opponents and was the one who won the penalty late on. A promising cameo from the teenager.
Gabriel Martinelli – 6
Nothing too spectacular from the winger, with Gabriel Martinelli’s best moment coming when he flashed a shot across the penalty area, but there were no takers for the tap-in. Food for Gyokeres’ thought perhaps.
Max Dowman dazzled for Arsenal off the bench (Image: Getty)
Declan Rice – 6
Helped settle Arsenal’s midfield during Newcastle’s best spell in the second half.
Andre Harriman-Annous – 6
Added a bit of energy off the bench and wasn’t afraid to press the Newcastle defenders and goalkeeper.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – N/A
Christian Norgaard – N/A
Joshua Nichols – N/A
Marli Ellis Salmon – N/A