Arsenal pipped Newcastle to a 3-2 win in Singapore, after 15-year-old Max Dowman won an 83rd minute penalty which was converted by Martin Odegaard.

Max Dowman, You Superstar! Arsenal’s 15-Year-Old Sensation Picks the Lock as Gunners Come From Behind to Beat Newcastle

Arsenal 3-2 Newcastle: Max Dowman’s Dazzling Display Lights Up Pre-Season in Singapore

In the sweltering heat of Singapore, a pre-season fixture between Arsenal and Newcastle produced an unexpected hero. Max Dowman, just 15 years of age, stepped off the bench and delivered a performance that will long be remembered—not just for his silky footwork and fearless attacking, but for winning the decisive penalty in a tightly contested 3-2 victory for the Gunners.

A Fiery Start

Both sides came out of the tunnel with intent. While pre-season games often drift into a rhythm of safe passes and tepid intensity, this one sparked into life early. Newcastle United struck first, capitalising on some early confusion in the Arsenal box. A pinpoint low cross from Kieran Trippier found new boy Anthony Elanga, whose scuffed effort somehow wrong-footed David Raya and trickled in off the post.

It was scrappy, yes, but it gave the Magpies a boost of momentum.

Arsenal, initially struggling to gain control, began to find rhythm midway through the half. The water break seemed to rejuvenate them, and Martin Zubimendi, playing in his deep-lying midfield role, started pulling the strings. The Spaniard sprayed passes left and right, gradually tilting the field in Arsenal’s favour.

Arsenal’s Response

In the 32nd minute, Arsenal struck back. A sloppy giveaway from Newcastle allowed Kai Havertz to flick a neat pass into the path of Mikel Merino. Back in his natural central midfield role after filling in as a makeshift striker last season, Merino lashed a low drive past Nick Pope—a goal full of conviction and intent.

Suddenly, the tide had turned.

Just after the break, Arsenal found the net again. This time it was Leandro Trossard who took centre stage. Receiving the ball on the left, he fired a vicious cross into the box. Bukayo Saka was ready to pounce, but he didn’t need to—Alexander Murphy, in a moment he’ll want to forget, sliced the ball into his own net with his weaker foot.

It was the kind of comical own goal that sparks laughter in friendlies and nightmares in competitive fixtures.

Second-Half Drama

Arteta opted for minimal half-time changes, bringing on only Martin Ødegaard and Jakub Kiwior for Ethan Nwaneri and Riccardo Calafiori, the latter suffering a minor injury scare. That continuity served Arsenal well, as they started the second half with more confidence and cohesion.

Saka nearly doubled the lead with an overhead effort that had the crowd on its feet. Trossard whipped in another teasing cross, and Saka contorted mid-air for the acrobatic finish. Pope, diving low to his left, was equal to the task.

But just when Arsenal looked to be cruising, Jacob Murphy struck a surprise equaliser. Picking up the ball in midfield, he was allowed far too much time and space before curling a low shot beyond Raya. It wasn’t unstoppable, and the Spanish keeper may have been unsighted, but it counted all the same.

The goal jolted both managers into action.

Enter Max Dowman

Arsenal v Newcastle: Pre-Season Friendly

Amid the flurry of substitutions was a name few outside of Hale End would have recognised: Max Dowman. The 15-year-old winger came on to replace Saka and immediately looked at home. Two early runs caught the eye—bursting past his marker and forcing good saves from Pope and later John Ruddy.

Then came his moment.

In the 83rd minute, Max Dowman darted into the box. Chased by Joelinton, he smartly positioned his body to draw contact. It wasn’t dramatic, but it was enough. The referee pointed to the spot. Ødegaard, ice-cold as ever, converted with a firm side-footed finish that Ruddy got a hand to but couldn’t keep out.

Dowman didn’t score, but his fingerprints were all over the winner. The kid from the academy had turned the tide.

MVP: Trossard Stamps His Authority

With all eyes on the future, it would be easy to overlook Leandro Trossard, but the Belgian was everywhere. Operating from the left and drifting centrally, he constantly asked questions of Newcastle’s defence.

Involved in the build-up for both Arsenal goals in regular play, Trossard showed that his versatility and work rate make him a vital piece of Arteta’s attacking puzzle—particularly with Noni Madueke now challenging for minutes.

New Faces and Impressions

There were plenty of encouraging signs from Martin Zubimendi, who already looks like a snug fit in the Arsenal midfield. Calm under pressure and smart with his passing, the Spaniard could prove to be a shrewd acquisition.

Also introduced late on were Christian Nørgaard, who had a quiet cameo, and Kepa Arrizabalaga, who replaced Raya and made two solid saves to preserve the lead.

Watching from the stands, Viktor Gyokeres was introduced to the crowd before kickoff. Though not yet ready to play, his arrival is already causing a stir. Arsenal fans will be eager to see how the Swedish forward fits into Arteta’s plans.

One for the Future

While Arteta tends to lean on experience during pre-season, the emergence of Max Dowman could challenge that trend. It’s rare for a 15-year-old to get minutes in a senior fixture, let alone decide it. His confidence, maturity, and decision-making were startling—and his performance did more than earn applause.

It gave fans a glimpse of the future.

Andre Harriman-Annous and Marli Ellis Salmon were also introduced late on but had little time to make an impact. Still, their involvement shows Arsenal’s commitment to youth development remains strong.

What Comes Next?

Arsenal v Newcastle: Pre-Season Friendly

Next up, it’s a mouth-watering clash in Hong Kong—the first ever North London Derby outside the UK, as Arsenal take on Tottenham Hotspur.

From there, it’s back to Europe to face Villarreal and Athletic Club, with all eyes on the Premier League opener against Manchester United on August 17.

Final Thoughts

A pre-season win might not count for points, but the positives for Arsenal were abundant. From Trossard’s consistency to Zubimendi’s fluency, from Odegaard’s leadership to Max Dowman’s fearless debut, this was more than just a summer warm-up.

And in Max Dowman, the Gunners may have just discovered their next superstar.