Arsenal Edge Past Newcastle in Singapore
Arsenal claimed their second victory of the pre-season as they defeated Newcastle United 3–2 in a thrilling Club Friendly match at the National Stadium in Singapore.
It was Anthony Elanga who opened the scoring early for the Magpies, firing home in the 6th minute. But Mikel Arteta’s side responded with two quick goals before halftime. In the 33rd minute, Mikel Merino equalised after a clever assist from Kai Havertz, and just two minutes later, a defensive mix-up saw Jacob Murphy inadvertently put the ball into his own net to give Arsenal the lead.
Murphy redeemed himself in the 58th minute with a stunning long-range strike to bring Newcastle level at 2–2.
Ukrainian international Oleksandr Zinchenko came on in the 78th minute, replacing young talent Ethan Nwaneri (listed earlier in some reports as Lewis-Skelly). Moments later, Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard calmly converted a penalty in the 84th minute to seal the victory for the Gunners.
Earlier this week, Arsenal also defeated AC Milan 1–0 as part of their summer preparations.
Club Friendly – Full-Time Score
Arsenal 3–2 Newcastle United (HT 2–1)
Goals: Elanga 6’ (0–1), Merino 33’ (1–1), Murphy 35’ OG (2–1), Murphy 58’ (2–2), Ødegaard 84’ PEN (3–2)
