The electric atmosphere at Singapore's National Stadium set the stage for a wild pre-season showdown between Arsenal and Newcastle United. This wasn't your lazy summer kickabout—both teams took the opportunity to test new signings and cope with big-name absentees, making it more than just a fitness exercise. Arsenal edged a gripping 3-2 win, but the match was defined just as much by who was missing as by the ones who did light up the pitch.
Arsenal fans got their first real look at Cristhian Mosquera, recently signed and thrown straight into the action. He slotted into a defense that was missing regulars Gabriel Magalhães and Jurrien Timber, both still nursing injuries. Up-front, the Gunners' attack leaned on the technical flair of Ødegaard and the midfield authority of newcomers Zubimendi and Merino. It was Merino who made the breakthrough—pouncing on a defensive lapse to score in the 33rd minute, stirring the Arsenal supporters who had traveled all the way to Southeast Asia.
Just minutes later, Arsenal doubled their advantage after Newcastle’s Aiden Murphy inadvertently knocked the ball into his own net. It was hardly the kind of souvenir Newcastle’s young defender wanted from his Asian adventure, but own goals don’t care for sentiment.
Pre-match talk was dominated by the list of injured stars. Arsenal’s squad reshuffle wasn’t just experimental—it was necessary. Missing Timber’s versatility and Gabriel’s aggression, Mikel Arteta asked backup defenders and young talents like Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri to step up. In goal, David Raya got another solid run-out, pairing up with Saliba to steady a makeshift backline. Turning adversity into opportunity, Arteta gave debuts, minutes, and tactical hints about the season's shape.
Newcastle wasn't spared the injury bug either. With main striker Alexander Isak out—nursing a knock and apparently caught up in ongoing contract negotiations—Eddie Howe turned to Anthony Elanga, their marquee summer arrival from Manchester United. Elanga wasted no time: just six minutes in, he latched onto a half-chance and buried his shot, instantly showing Newcastle fans what they could expect from him this season.
Jacob Murphy kept the Magpies in the hunt with a clever second-half finish, cutting the deficit to 2-1 after Merino’s opener and Murphy’s own-goal. But Arsenal kept asking questions, pushing up the field and exploiting Newcastle’s experimental backline. When Newcastle looked close to snatching a late equalizer, Martin Ødegaard stepped up and coolly buried a penalty in the 84th minute. That spot-kick sealed the 3-2 win and highlighted just how much quality Arsenal’s midfield brings, even with senior defenders out.
Fans also got a glimpse of William Osula, Newcastle’s young striker thrust into starting duties after Callum Wilson’s departure earlier in the summer. Osula showed flashes, but Newcastle’s frontline clearly missed Isak’s established presence and poaching instincts.
This friendly confirmed what many had suspected: Arsenal’s squad depth and creative core are genuine strengths. Newcastle, meanwhile, have much to polish in attack, especially without their star striker. For supporters, this match was more than just pre-season—it was a sneak peek at the challenges and opportunities both clubs will face when the Premier League gets underway.
