Arsenal 3-2 Newcastle: 15-Year-Old Max Dowman Shines as Gunners Edge Pre-Season Thriller in Singapore
Arsenal beat Newcastle 3-2 in a pre-season friendly as 15-year-old Max Dowman wins the decisive penalty. Martin Odegaard scores the winner in Singapore.
15-year-old Max Dowman shines for Arsenal, winning the decisive penalty in their 3-2 pre-season victory over Newcastle in Singapore.
In Singapore, Arsenal defeated Newcastle 3-2, and the highlight of the match was 15-year-old academy prodigy Max Dowman. Dowman's bold play and decisiveness were the difference, but Martin Odegaard's late penalty clinched the victory.
Dowman's Crucial Arrival
Dowman, who was brought on in the 60th minute, won the game-winning penalty after Joelinton pulled him down. He excelled with his speed and confidence. The adolescent replaced Bukayo Saka on the right wing and came close to scoring twice before winning the game-winning penalty kick, demonstrating incredible poise and intensity despite being half the Brazilian midfielder's age.
How the Game Played Out
After a cross from Sandro Tonali, Anthony Elanga scored Newcastle's opening goal in the sixth minute to give the Magpies an early lead. But Arsenal swiftly changed the course:
- An equaliser from the edge of the box by former Newcastle midfielder Mikel Merino was well-placed.
- Alex Murphy gave Arsenal a 2-1 lead minutes later when, under pressure from Kai Havertz's cross, he unintentionally pushed the ball into his own net.
- With a strong shot from Jacob Murphy, Newcastle rallied to tie the score at two. Will Osula nearly put the Magpies ahead with a narrowly missed shot.
In the closing seconds, Martin Odegaard coolly converted the penalty after Joelinton's foul was caused by Dowman's charge into the box. Another fantastic prospect from Arsenal's youth system has arrived, as the captain later urged the young player to enjoy the cheers from the fans.
With two assists, Kai Havertz makes an impression.
After Viktor Gyokeres was signed by Arsenal for £63.5 million, German attacker Kai Havertz, who is already under a lot of pressure, replied with two vital assists and was instrumental in Arsenal's comeback.
What Will Happen to Newcastle and Arsenal Next?
The Arsenal preseason schedule:
- Spurs, Kai Tak Stadium, Hong Kong, July 31 (12:30 PM)
- August 6: Emirates Stadium, Villarreal, Emirates Cup, 6 p.m.
- Athletic Club vs. Emirates Cup, August 9, Emirates Stadium, 5:00 PM
Newcastle’s Pre-Season Fixtures:
- July 30: K-League Select XI – Suwon World Cup Stadium (12 PM)
- August 3: Tottenham – Seoul World Cup Stadium (12 PM)
- August 8: Espanyol – St James’ Park (7:30 PM)
- August 9: Atletico Madrid – St James’ Park (4 PM)
