Martin Ødegaard Scores Winner as Max Dowman Shines and Viktor Gyokeres Debuts Before 38,720 Fans at Singapore Sports Hub
SINGAPORE, 27 July 2025 – Arsenal FC edged Newcastle United 3-2 in a dramatic pre-season showdown at the National Stadium - Singapore Sports Hub, capping off the 2025 Singapore Festival of Football in style.
A crowd of 38,720 fans witnessed the Premier League giants deliver a five-goal thriller, punctuated by a decisive late penalty from Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard.
The match showcased the future and present of Arsenal’s squad, with 15-year-old Max Dowman delivering a standout performance and new £55 million signing Viktor Gyokeres making his first public appearance in Gunners colours.
Early Goals and Rising Stars
The evening got off to a flying start when Anthony Elanga, Newcastle’s own £55 million recruit, struck in the 6th minute. But Arsenal responded swiftly. In the 33rd minute, midfielder Mikel Merino found the net following a clever setup by Kai Havertz, who was involved again just minutes later when his run led to an own goal by Newcastle defender Alex Murphy, making it 2-1 to the Gunners.
Newcastle clawed back in the second half, with Jacob Murphy equalising with a low drive from outside the box. But it was Arsenal’s young substitute Max Dowman who changed the game.
Coming on in the 60th minute, Dowman dazzled with his footwork and attacking intent. In the 84th minute, he drew a foul from Joelinton after a mazy run into the box, earning a penalty that Ødegaard coolly converted for the win.
Arteta Praises Dowman, Welcomes Gyokeres
Post-match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta heaped praise on Dowman, calling his performance “special.”
“To play how he did against this team, in the time he had on the pitch, it’s something certainly not common to witness,” said Arteta.
He also expressed delight at the arrival of Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres, who was unveiled to fans before kickoff wearing the iconic No. 14 shirt.
“We’re super happy to have Viktor with us… It was a long journey to get him here, but he’s been incredible throughout,” Arteta said. “You can see the boys and the environment are very excited by his arrival.”
Newcastle Reflects, Looks Ahead
Despite the loss, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe praised his team’s effort but admitted the conceded goals were “not great.” He reaffirmed the club’s intention to strengthen ahead of a demanding season that includes the Champions League, while battling to keep hold of star striker Alexander Isak, amid reported interest from Liverpool.
Newcastle’s presence in Singapore was deeply appreciated by fans across Asia. Supporters from the Toon Army Asia Alliance, representing nations like Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Japan, filled the stands in black-and-white.
Defender Dan Burn said he was overwhelmed by the regional support:
“I knew there was decent support here, but I wasn’t expecting it to be anything like what we saw.”
Singapore Festival of Football Draws Regional Crowd
The match was the finale of the 2025 Singapore Festival of Football, which began with Arsenal’s 1-0 win over AC Milan on July 23. Though attendance for the first match was modest at 22,813, the finale drew nearly 40,000 fans, a testament to the region’s appetite for elite football.
The festival marks the first edition of a five-year partnership between TEG Sport and the Singapore Tourism Board, with future editions set for 2027 and 2029. Locals are already hoping for marquee matchups in coming years, including possible appearances by Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Arsenal fan Teh Gui Hua, 27, was among the satisfied attendees:
“This matchup has always been spicy and I’m glad it lived up to the hype today… It’d be great to witness El Clasico in Singapore someday.”
A Night of Entertainment and Promise
The Arsenal vs Newcastle clash in Singapore was more than a pre-season friendly—it was a glimpse into the future of football in Asia. With youth talents emerging, marquee signings making debuts, and fans turning out in force, the Singapore Sports Hub once again proved itself a world-class stage.
For Arsenal, it was a night of promise fulfilled. For Newcastle, a performance full of potential. And for Singaporean football fans, it was an evening they won’t soon forget. #SFOF2025 #SgFootball #mySgSportsHub
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