Newcastle United’s winless start to pre-season continued with a defeat against Arsenal at the Singapore National Stadium.

However, Eddie Howe’s side delivered a far more encouraging display than during last weekend’s 4-0 loss at Celtic, even though Alexander Isak remains absent.

In East Asia, Anthony Elanga made the perfect start to his full debut, rounding off an excellent Newcastle move. The winger’s finish was a bit of a mishit, but he still directed Sandro Tonali’s low cross onto the right-hand post and in.

Newcastle were then punished by two Arsenal goals in quick succession from the 33rd minute, with former Newcastle midfielder Mikel Merino equalising with a well-placed shot, before Alex Murphy inadvertently lashed a dangerous cross into his own net.

Howe made nine half-time changes, with only Will Osula and Nick Pope continuing, and in the 58th minute, Jacob Murphy equalised with a left-footed shot from 25 yards.

Mikel Arteta’s second-half substitutions improved Arsenal and 15-year-old Max Dowman, who caused immeasurable problems down Newcastle’s left, was pushed in the box by Joelinton in the 83rd minute. Martin Odegaard dispatched the penalty to secure victory.

Chris Waugh, who is in Singapore, and George Caulkin analyse the key talking points.

Is Elanga the one positive from a difficult summer?

On July 11, the third-most expensive signing in Newcastle’s history was explaining his decision to move to Tyneside.

“The club won a trophy and are building something unique, something special that I really want to be part of,” Elanga said, fresh from his £52million ($69.9m) transfer from Nottingham Forest. Those words almost feel as if they belong to a different era.

In a difficult summer, the past fortnight has been particularly brutal, but the winger’s first start did at least provide a reminder of a contextual sort.

Newcastle have suffered some high-profile rejections; they might be reeling from the Isak situation, but not everybody wants out and Howe has some good players at his disposal. They are cup-winners with the Champions League to look forward to.

Perhaps it is a case of one step forward and another couple back, but bringing in a right-sided reinforcement has been a priority for Howe since he joined.

Elanga scored six minutes into his full debut, putting the finishing touches to a lovely sweeping move which showcased some Newcastle quality. Kieran Trippier spotted Tonali’s run, the Italian’s cross was like a laser beam, and although Elanga’s shot was miscued, he was stretching backwards after ghosting into space. It was promising.

Anthony Elanga. :zap:️ pic.twitter.com/tjgLJEtNYa

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) July 27, 2025

The Sweden international lasted 45 minutes before being replaced by Murphy, one of last season’s great success stories. Murphy also scored, curling in a shot from long range.

Suddenly, Howe has some options — in this position, anyway.

George Caulkin

Can Isak-less Newcastle really start the season with Osula up top?

Isak is not here — and, as far as Howe (and the club’s board) is concerned, he is still not for sale, either.

The Sweden striker’s non-appearance on the pre-season tour — due to injury according to the club, but The Athletic has reported his preference not to travel — has and will continue to dominate the news cycle.

As if to rub it in that Newcastle have yet to bring in a striker and their star players is not even in East Asia (and will not be joining them in South Korea, Howe confirmed), Arsenal paraded their new £55m centre-forward signing, Viktor Gyokeres, before kick-off in Singapore.

But an absence presents an opportunity. Osula has played the most minutes of any Newcastle player in pre-season — and by some distance. The 21-year-old started at Celtic and lasted 76 minutes, while he played for the opening 73 against Arsenal.

Largely, that is out of necessity. Aside from Sean Neave, the 18-year-old academy graduate, Howe does not have another out-and-out striker on tour. As things stand, Newcastle are heading into the campaign with a striker who has a solitary Premier League goal to his name as their first-choice centre-forward.

Osula has just about all of the attributes to become a top-level striker — he is tall, quick and has two good feet — but is still learning his craft. A willing runner, in and out of possession, he does stretch opposition defences with his constant desire to try and get in behind.

The Dane was unfortunate not to score during the second half when Murphy whipped in a delicious cross and Osula, who had timed his run well, powered a header beyond the far post.

Howe described Osula’s performance as “much better” than against Celtic, before claiming that the striker “had to be ready” in case he was required to start the opening league game against Aston Villa on August 16.

Even before the Isak situation unfolded, Newcastle’s need for another striker was acute (following Callum Wilson’s exit). Now that requirement borders upon the desperate. As Howe conceded, “We’re not deluded.”

Yoane Wissa would be a good addition from Brentford, given his pedigree and versatility, but that is proving to be yet another frustratingly complicated (and potentially expensive) deal. RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is a dream target, but that would be an even trickier (and more costly) transfer to pull off.

Howe wants Newcastle to end this window stronger than they start it, but they are looking worryingly weak up top (not to mention the other areas which have yet to be augmented).

Chris Waugh

How concerning is Sven Botman’s latest injury blow?

Botman had only been introduced at the break, coming on as a left-sided centre-back after Howe tweaked his system, with Newcastle switching to a three-man defence. But he then went off in the 70th minute, gesturing towards his groin.

Howe was typically vague in his assessment of the injury, although his answer was hardly encouraging.

“He came off and said his groin was a bit tight,” Howe said. “So fingers crossed he’s OK.”

For a player who has managed only 21 Premier League starts across the past two seasons, the sight of Botman being withdrawn was concerning. Mercifully, at least it is not another knee injury.

But with a centre-back yet to be signed (alongside a goalkeeper, striker or midfielder), Newcastle cannot afford for Botman to be sidelined. The immediate soundings from those close to Botman — speaking anonymously to protect relationships — was that it was precautionary and nothing serious. Only time will tell for certain.

Chris Waugh

(Top photo: Elanga celebrates his goal; Lampson Yip – Clicks Images/Getty Images)