Arsenal’s newest signing, Viktor Gyokeres, made a grand entrance before the Gunners’ 3-2 victory over Newcastle United in a preseason match held at the National Stadium in Singapore. 

The £64 million signing from Sporting was greeted with cheers as he walked out to meet fans, with flames and celebration marking his welcome. Although he hasn’t trained with his new teammates yet, manager Mikel Arteta praised Gyokeres’ passion and desire to join the club, calling the signing a “long journey” worth the wait.

Despite the excitement surrounding Gyokeres’ arrival, it was Newcastle who struck first. Anthony Elanga opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a scuffed finish from a Sandro Tonali pass. 

Arsenal responded strongly, and Kai Havertz was influential in the comeback. The German helped set up Mikel Merino’s equaliser in the 33rd minute with a smart flick, before Newcastle’s Alex Murphy turned a Havertz cross into his own net just two minutes later, giving Arsenal the lead.

Newcastle made wholesale changes at halftime and soon found another equaliser. Substitute Jacob Murphy capitalised on poor defending to shoot from the edge of the box and beat David Raya. 

Arsenal’s winner came courtesy of 15-year-old Max Dowman, who earned a penalty with a dazzling run. Captain Martin Ødegaard stepped up and converted from the spot to seal the win.

Arteta praised Dowman’s impact after the match, describing his performance as “special” and “not common” for someone so young. The teenager’s development has been closely supported by his family and the Arsenal academy, and his preseason displays suggest he could have a role to play in the near future. 

Arteta was also pleased with how new arrivals are settling in, applauding the club’s recruitment strategy, led by sporting director Andre Berta.

Arsenal will start their Premier League campaign for the 2025/2026 season with a clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford on August 17.