Matchday Fever

Move over Viktor Gyokeres, there’s a new name lighting up Arsenal headlines — 15-year-old Max Dowman.

While Arsenal officially unveiled their shiny new £55 million striker before kickoff, it was the teenage sensation Dowman who left the Singapore crowd buzzing, winning the decisive penalty in a dramatic 3-2 win over Newcastle United in pre-season action at the National Stadium.

Odegaard Seals It, But Dowman Dazzles

Captain Martin Odegaard may have converted the match-winning penalty, but he generously let Dowman soak up the spotlight — and rightly so. The teenager danced through the Newcastle defense in the 84th minute before drawing a clumsy foul from Joelinton, who looked every bit his 28 years next to the fearless 15-year-old.

Odegaard slotted the spot-kick home like clockwork, but even he seemed to know the moment belonged to Arsenal’s budding superstar.

From Milan Cameo to Singapore Sensation

Fresh off an eye-catching debut against AC Milan, Dowman was introduced just after the hour mark in Singapore, moments after Jacob Murphy had lasered in Newcastle’s second equalizer with a screamer from distance. But Dowman wasted no time turning heads again — surging into the box twice with intent and firing off shots that kept Newcastle’s defense on its heels.

Gyokeres Debuts, Elanga Opens Account

The night began with fireworks as new boy Viktor Gyokeres made his Arsenal bow, but it was Newcastle who struck first — Anthony Elanga poking home his maiden Magpies goal after being left criminally unmarked.

Arsenal hit back before the break with two quickfire replies: a Mikel Merino finish from a Kai Havertz assist and an unfortunate Alex Murphy own goal, also courtesy of a Havertz-driven cross.

Dowman’s Coming-of-Age Moment

With Isak absent and Newcastle looking toothless up front, it was Arsenal who looked likelier late on — thanks in large part to Dowman’s fearless flair. If this was a teaser of what’s to come, Arsenal fans might want to start learning how to spell Dowman correctly — they’ll be chanting it a lot this season.

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