Over 38,000 fans packed the National Stadium on Sunday (27 July) as Arsenal FC and Newcastle United delivered a dramatic five-goal showdown to close out the Singapore Festival of Football. The Gunners emerged victorious with a hard-fought 3-2 win, wrapping up the regional football spectacle in style.
The evening kicked off with a surprise treat for local Gooners as Arsenal unveiled their latest signing, Viktor Gyökeres, recently acquired from Sporting CP, to thunderous applause.
From kickoff, the match was a high-octane affair filled with non-stop action, midfield battles, and flashes of individual brilliance. Newcastle’s new signing Anthony Elanga opened the scoring in the 6th minute, converting a precise delivery from Sandro Tonali to give the Magpies an early lead.
Arsenal struck back in the 33rd minute with Mikel Merino finishing a slick team move to level the score. Minutes later, a Kai Havertz cross forced Newcastle’s Alex Murphy into an own goal, handing Arsenal a 2-1 lead at halftime.
The Magpies showed grit in the second half, with Jacob Murphy equalising in the 58th minute with a well-placed strike from outside the box. But it was a rising star who stole the spotlight late in the game—15-year-old Max Dowman, whose dazzling run in the 84th minute earned a penalty. Captain Martin Ødegaard coolly slotted home from the spot to seal the win for the Gunners.
Newcastle nearly grabbed a late equaliser in the 89th minute, but Kepa Arrizabalaga made a crucial save to deny Harrison Ashby from close range.
Post-match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised Martin Zubimendi for his composed debut, while Newcastle’s Eddie Howe expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance despite the narrow defeat.
