Newcastle United have been beaten 3-2 by Arsenal in their second friendly of pre-season.
Newcastle United took the lead after just six minutes, with the impressive Anthony Elanga grabbing his first goal, but Arsenal continued to dominate and turned things around with a quick-fire double from Mikel Merino and Alex Murphy’s own goal.
Eddie Howe made nine changes at the break as well as a change of formation, with Newcastle going from 4-3-3 to a 5-4-1.
After a competitive opening 45, the second half was noticeably slower as Arsenal continued to control the ball but it was Newcastle who struck first, with Jacob Murphy finding a leveller.
The game came back to life afterwards, with both teams creating chances to take the lead in Singapore.
However, it was Arsenal who found it when Martin Odegaard converted from the penalty spot.
Though it’s another defeat for Newcastle, it was a much better performance than the loss to Celtic.
Here’s how the players rated.
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Nick Pope – 8
A really good save to deny an acrobatic effort from Bukayo Saka and made a few other smart stops to keep Arsenal at bay before going off.
His distribution continued to put Newcastle in danger, though.
Tino Livramento – 6
First minutes of pre-season in a welcome return for Newcastle and played on both flanks throughout the half.
With Newcastle pinned back for most of the 45, he didn’t get to show off his attacking skills much in a steady but quiet game.
Emil Krafth – 6
A solid outing.
Fabian Schar – 7
Bombarded as Arsenal attacked constantly but managed to hold firm, with some key defensive interventions.
Sven Botman – 5
Only lasted 25 minutes in what will be worrying for Newcastle in case the beleaguered defender is injured once again. He was quiet during his time on the pitch.
Matt Targett – 7
Not particularly suited to a left wing-back role given his lack of pace and attacking prowess but made some timely defensive contributions.
Jacob Murphy – 8
After doing nothing for his first 12 minutes on the pitch, Murphy pulled an equaliser from out of nowhere when he was given time outside the box and opted to shoot into the bottom corner. A lovely goal.
Was more of a threat afterwards and was so unlucky his great cross to Osula didn’t result in a goal.
Lewis Miley – 7
Will claim an assist after his pass to Murphy eventually led to his goal and played a few more neat passes, too. The youngster looked good in the middle, especially as he burst forward through the lines, in a promising display.
Joelinton – 3
A sloppy touch on the ball and was fortunate Newcastle didn’t concede when he lost it in his own box. Doesn’t suit being in a midfield double pivot and looked very off the pace as he was repeatedly beaten in duels. It wasn’t much of a surprise when he was the one to give away the penalty.
Harvey Barnes – 7
Looked sharp and lively when he got on the ball out on the left, while always looking to move forward and create something positive.
William Osula – 8
The one outfielder to keep his place after the break, which speaks a lot to how threadbare Newcastle are up front.
Continued to work hard – clearing a corner and then chasing the ball all the way to Arsenal’s goalkeeper, at one point – and nearly got a goal for his great efforts but his header was just wide.
A real valiant performance in which he impressed with his work ethic over 73 minutes.
Substitutes
Harrison Ashby – 6
Came on in place of Botman and did well in winning back the ball. Had the chance to equalise but his shot was straight at the goalkeeper.
John Ruddy – 7
The surprising replacement for Pope but made a fine save soon after from Max Downman. Can’t be blamed for the penalty.
Sean Neave – 5
Given 17 minutes up front in his second senior appearance but saw little of the ball.
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