Arteta Praises Duo After Arsenal 3-2 Win Over Newcastle United

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·28. Juli 2025

Arteta Praises Duo After Arsenal 3-2 Win Over Newcastle United

Mikel Arteta praised the performances of two Arsenal players following their 3-2 victory over Newcastle in Singapore. The Gunners came from behind in the first half before Martin Ødegaard’s late penalty sealed the win in the second of their three pre-season games in Asia.

Despite several strong performances, Arteta singled out 15-year-old Max Dowman and new signing Martin Zubimendi in his post-match press conference.

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Dowman continues to shine

Max Dowman replaced Bukayo Saka on the hour mark and played on the right wing for the final 30 minutes. Although he had just 16 touches, his impact was undeniable. His fearless dribbling and close control helped change the tempo late on, with one of his surging runs earning the decisive penalty in the 85th minute.

In his post match presser, Arteta said: “Yeah, it is special. Obviously what he’s done today against this team in the time that he had on the pitch is something certainly not common to witness for a 15-year-old. We are extremely happy to have him. I think again about the environment that he’s around in, his family, the people at the club and around the academy as well. Super helpful because they put him into this position so early in his journey, having a real chance and a real presence when he plays for the first team.”

Arteta has already confirmed Dowman is part of first team plans for next season.

Max Dowman (Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images)

Zubimendi earns early praise

Martin Zubimendi, making his first start of pre-season, also earned praise for his ability to cope with Newcastle’s physical midfield. He completed 91% of his passes, made three recoveries, won four ground duels, and played six passes into the final third.

“Very good,” Arteta said. “I think the demand that Newcastle put on you, especially in midfield, with the kind of plays and profiles that they had, I think he coped with it with intensity, with the physicality. He’s so smart, he’s one step ahead constantly, he can read situations, he can execute at higher speed, whether he has space or not, and that’s not a common thing to have in a player, especially when you’re a midfield player.”

Zubimendi and Dowman are likely to feature again on Thursday when Arsenal face Tottenham in the final match of their pre-season tour. We should also get our first glimpse of Gyokeres playing in Red & White on Thursday too!

Is Arsenal’s pre-season giving a positive glimpse of the season ahead?

Thoughts in the comments Gooners.

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