How Did Arsenal Overcome Newcastle United 3-2 in Pre-Season?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Newcastle United took an early lead with Anthony Elanga's goal.
- Arsenal responded quickly to equalize and then took the lead.
- Jacob Murphy played a key role in Newcastle's comeback attempt.
- Arsenal secured victory late in the game with a penalty conversion by Ødegaard.
- Both teams showcased their attacking capabilities throughout the match.
Kallang (Singapore), July 27 (NationPress) Newcastle United suffered a narrow 3-2 loss against Arsenal in an exciting pre-season match at Singapore’s National Stadium, despite taking an early lead and showcasing a spirited performance.
Anthony Elanga, in his first start following his move from Nottingham Forest, gave United the lead just six minutes into the game. A well-coordinated play involving Sandro Tonali and Kieran Trippier allowed the Swede to bundle the ball home from close range, providing the Magpies with an early edge.
Arsenal, who had narrowly defeated AC Milan earlier in the week, reacted promptly. After several near misses from both teams, including attempts from Kai Havertz, Bruno Guimarães, and Benjamin White, the Gunners equalized shortly after a first-half drinks break. Former Newcastle player Mikel Merino found space at the edge of the box and drilled a low shot past Nick Pope.
The Premier League runners-up then took the lead in a rather unfortunate manner, when a threatening cross from Havertz deflected off Alex Murphy and into his own net in the 35th minute.
Newcastle nearly leveled the score before halftime, but Anthony Gordon’s shot went wide. Eddie Howe made significant changes at halftime, keeping only Pope and William Osula on the field. The revamped squad displayed determination, and in the 59th minute, Jacob Murphy equalized with a precise left-footed strike following impressive play from Tino Livramento.
Murphy then turned into a provider, crossing for Osula who narrowly headed wide. Pope preserved the tie with outstanding saves from Max Dowman and Martin Ødegaard, before being substituted by John Ruddy.
Ruddy was soon called into action, saving well from Dowman, while Lewis Miley’s lob floated over after a poor clearance from Arsenal’s substitute goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga.
However, it was Arsenal who clinched victory late in the game. Joelinton was penalized for a foul on Dowman, and Ødegaard calmly converted the penalty in the 81st minute to secure the win.