Premier League giants Arsenal FC and Newcastle United delighted over 38,000 fans with a captivating five-goal thriller at the National Stadium with the former triumphing with a hard-fought 3-2 win on Sunday, 27 July.
Before the match, Arsenal presented new signing Viktor Gyökeres, recently acquired from Sporting CP, to an ecstatic reception from the dedicated local Gooners.
Amid a buzzing atmosphere, the match was a pulsating affair from start to finish, characterised by relentless end-to-end action, tactical battles in midfield and moments of individual brilliance that lit up the night. The opening goal of the night came in just the 6th minute, courtesy of Newcastle’s new signing Anthony Elanga, who marked his first start in black-and-white with a composed finish off a brilliant right-wing delivery from Sandro Tonali.
Arsenal responded in the 33rd minute with Spaniard Mikel Merino calmly finishing off a brilliant team move, before doubling their lead shortly after through an own goal by Newcastle’s defender Alex Murphy from Kai Havertz’s low driven cross. The second half saw the Magpies demonstrate their resilience, with Jacob Murphy equalising in the 58th minute with a low shot from outside the box.
The game’s decisive moment came in the 84th minute when 15-year-old Arsenal substitute Max Dowman, following a mesmerising run, earned a penalty after being fouled by Newcastle’s Joelinton. Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard coolly converted the spot-kick, securing the 3-2 victory for the Gunners and capping off an enthralling contest. Newcastle came close to equalising once more in the 89th minute but Harrison Ashby’s close range strike was thwarted by Kepa Arrizbalaga.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised new signing Martin Zubimendi on his first start for the club. He said, “Martin is smart, he is always one step ahead and constantly reading situations, he carries qualities that are rare to find in a player.”
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe was satisfied with his team’s performance. He said, “We certainly needed to step up in performance after the Celtic game and we did, of course there are things to improve upon but overall, it was a difficult game and all credit to the players.”
