Singapore – July 27, 2025 – Newcastle United secured a 1-0 victory over Arsenal in their preseason friendly at Singapore’s National Stadium on Sunday, with a solitary goal from new signing Anthony Elanga proving the difference. The match, part of both clubs’ Asian tours, was played amidst significant transfer speculation surrounding their respective star strikers.
The Gunners, fresh off a 1-0 win against AC Milan at the same venue on Wednesday, saw a mixed performance in their second preseason outing. For Newcastle, the win offers a much-needed boost after a resounding 4-0 defeat to Celtic in their last friendly a week prior.
The build-up to this highly anticipated encounter between two of the Premier League’s top sides was dominated by news concerning their center-forwards. Arsenal has reportedly finalized a deal to sign Swedish international striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP. Gyokeres, who had a prolific 2024/25 season scoring 54 goals in 52 appearances for Sporting, is set to become Arsenal’s sixth summer signing and will wear the iconic No. 14 shirt. He was reportedly in attendance at the stadium, watching his new teammates.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United was rocked by news that their star striker, Alexander Isak, who is nursing a thigh injury, is keen to explore his options during the current transfer window. Isak was notably absent from Newcastle’s preseason tour of Asia amidst reports he has informed the club of his desire to leave, though no formal transfer request has been submitted. Eddie Howe will be eager for his side to demonstrate their strength in the upcoming 2025/26 season despite the turbulence in the transfer market for the Magpies.
Match Details:
- Score: Arsenal 0 – 1 Newcastle United
- Goal Scorer: Anthony Elanga (Newcastle, 6′)
Starting Lineups:
- Arsenal (4-3-3): David Raya (GK) — Ben White, William Saliba, Riccardo Calafiori, Myles Lewis-Skelly — Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi, Ethan Nwaneri — Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard.
- Subs: Odegaard, Martinelli, Kepa, Kiwior, Norgaard, Zinchenko, Nelson, Lokonga, Setford, Copley, Rice, Kabia, Nichols, Rojas, Dowman, Harriman-Annous, Salmon.
- Newcastle (4-3-3): Nick Pope (GK) — Kieran Trippier, Jamaal Lascelles, Dan Burn, Alex Murphy — Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Joe Willock — Anthony Elanga, William Osula, Anthony Gordon.
- Subs: Botman, Schar, Joelinton, Barnes, Targett, Krafth, Vlachodimos, Livramento, J. Murphy, Ruddy, Ashby, Harrison, Hernes, Munda, Neave, Park, Miley.
Team News & Key Notes:
For Arsenal, Martin Zubimendi made his first start in midfield alongside Mikel Merino and young talent Ethan Nwaneri. New signing Noni Madueke, who recently joined from Chelsea in a reported £48.5m deal, was not featured as he is on a short break following Chelsea’s FIFA Club World Cup campaign. Arsenal’s only current injury concern remains forward Gabriel Jesus, who is continuing his recovery from an ACL tear sustained last winter. While expected back soon, his return will be managed cautiously given his injury history.
On Newcastle’s side, Alexander Isak’s absence was notable due to his thigh injury and ongoing transfer speculation. Lewis Hall is also recovering from an ankle issue, though it’s not considered serious. New winger Anthony Elanga, signed earlier in the window, was given significant minutes and made an immediate impact with his early goal.
Historically, Arsenal and Newcastle have met 197 times in competitive fixtures, with Arsenal holding the advantage with 86 wins to Newcastle’s 72, alongside 39 draws. Newcastle’s 1-0 victory today adds another chapter to their recent rivalry, where the Magpies have proven to be challenging opponents for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Looking Ahead:
Both teams will continue their preseason preparations with further fixtures before the start of the 2025/26 Premier League season. Arsenal’s next match is against Tottenham Hotspur in Hong Kong on July 31, followed by home friendlies against Villarreal and Athletic Club de Bilbao. Newcastle will travel to South Korea after this match to face a K League all-star team and Tottenham. The Premier League campaign begins on August 17, with Arsenal kicking off against Manchester United.