Arsenal’s coach, Mikel Arteta, has described their slim win over Newcastle as a great test for the team ahead of the new season, Softfootball reports. Arteta believes the club doesn’t have the luxury of time as they prepare for the new season after a turbulent one.
Arsenal came from behind to seal a thrilling 3–2 victory in Singapore, with academy starlets once again making their mark in preseason.
Despite conceding within the opening moments, Mikel Arteta’s side responded swiftly through a double inspired by Kai Havertz. The German playmaker was at the heart of both goals, showing sharp vision and movement to turn the tide after the early setback. Though their opponents managed to level again, it was the Gunners’ youthful bench that stole the show late on.
Fifteen-year-old Max Dowman earned the decisive penalty after a surging run into the box, coolly converted by captain Martin Ødegaard. Dowman was one of several academy players to impress, with 15-year-old Marli Salmon showing maturity beyond his years in defence, and Josh Nichols, who celebrated his 19th birthday, delivering an assured display at right-back. Andre Harriman-Annous also made his senior debut.
Speaking to the Arsenal media after the post-match, Arteta said,
“It was a great test.” “The conditions are different; the pitch is different. We were in a position that demanded a lot of you, because we were one-nil down after the first action they had.
“But I’m really pleased with what I’ve seen in terms of the intensity, the way we competed, the way we played, and the way they understand the game. And even with a lot of changes at the end, we remained very competitive.”
Arteta also spoke about the highlight performance of the youngsters he fielded in their last two games; he said:
“It’s very strange to witness such young players performing at that level with that confidence and that determination and making it happen.” “So, I’m very pleased with that.”
Meanwhile, Softfootball had earlier reported Arteta’s statement about the injury concerns of Riccardo Calafiori, who was subbed off due to an injury encountered early in the second half.
Arteta said,
“We don’t know; we have to wait.” “He didn’t look too worried, but he had to come off, so that tells you it isn’t great.”
Arsenal continues their Asian preseason tour with a game against London rivals, Tottenham. The Gunners have played two unbeaten games with an expectation to seal the third one against Spurs.
