The pre-season friendlies are really picking up now, with 16 Premier League teams in action on Saturday and Sunday.
In this Scout Notes article, we’ll cover any standout Fantasy Premier League (FPL) talking points from Arsenal v Newcastle United.
ARSENAL 3-2 NEWCASTLE UNITED
- Goals: Merino, Odegaard pen | Elanga, J Murphy
- Assists: Havertz x2, Dowman | Tonali, Miley
GYOKERES ON PENS?
In the aftermath of Sunday’s 3-2 win over Newcastle, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta hinted that new signing Viktor Gyokeres could replace Bukayo Saka (£10.0m) on penalties.
Saka has been first-choice in recent seasons, but has occasionally let others step up to take one.
He also took the last spot-kick of 2024/25 in the UEFA Champions League in April, but missed.
Meanwhile, Gyokeres, who was paraded on the pitch shortly before kick-off, successfully converted all 19 penalties he took while playing for Sporting CP last season, highlighting his ability from 12 yards.
“Well, I’m sure that he will step in if they allow him to do so, because as you say he’s been very consistent and he’s scored many goals, but we have some other penalty takers, really good ones as well. So, they will resolve it themselves and if not, I will intervene in the right moment!” – Mikel Arteta on Viktor Gyokeres’ ability from the penalty spot
ISAK’S FUTURE
Another big talking point in Asia was Alexander Isak (£10.5m), who is absent from Newcastle’s travelling squad amid transfer speculation and a reported thigh injury.
Speaking before Sunday’s friendly, Eddie Howe said:
“Of course, there are things going on behind the scenes. He will be aware he is in the news every day and I’m sure that is not easy for anyone in that situation. Conversations that happen with Alex and the club, or Alex and myself, will stay private for obvious reasons.
“We do share a good relationship. He has been magnificent for us since he joined. He’s very popular in the dressing room. We would love him to continue his journey at Newcastle. Although, whatever happens has to be right for Newcastle. Hopefully he’ll be back soon and playing in the black and white shirt. That’s what we all want to see.
“He first mentioned his thigh before the Celtic game. We assumed it would be a very minimal injury, nothing too serious. I think on Monday after the Celtic game, he went in for training very early and he didn’t feel right.” – Eddie Howe on Alexander Isak
In Isak’s absence, William Osula (£5.5m) led the line and was the only outfield player not to be substituted at half-time, showing just how threadbare Newcastle are in this position right now.
He generally did very well, too, flashing a header wide of the far post.
Howe later described Osula’s performance as “much better” than against Celtic, highlighting his work ethic.
DOWMAN IMPRESSES / HAVERTZ’S ASSISTS
Martin Zubimendi (£5.5m) and youngster Max Dowman were arguably the standout players for Arsenal.
Dowman crowned a superb display by tricking his way past Joelinton (£6.0m) on the right touchline, gliding into the area and coming down under the Brazilian’s challenge to win a penalty.
The spot-kick was successfully converted by Martin Odegaard (£8.0m) after Saka had been substituted.
Notably, the Norwegian recorded a total of four shots, the most of any player.
Kai Havertz (£7.5m), meanwhile, was involved in both of Arsenal’s open play goals, first assisting Mikel Merino (£6.0m) with a tidy lay off inside the box, before his teasing low cross was thumped into his own net by Newcastle defender Alex Murphy (£4.0m).
ELANGA + MURPHY GOALS
The Magpies had previously taken the lead via a scuffed Anthony Elanga (£7.0m) effort.
The Sweden international lasted 45 minutes on his full debut before being replaced by Jacob Murphy (£6.5m).
Murphy also found the net, levelling it up with a low shot.
As a result, Howe now has choices on the right wing, as both players served as their team’s best attacking threat in each half.
Elsewhere, Riccardo Calafiori (£5.5m) and Sven Botman (£5.0m) both had to come with injuries.
“Yeah, he said that he felt a little tweak, so I don’t know how big it is but hopefully not.” – Mikel Arteta on Riccardo Calafiori
“I did not see him struggling. He came off and said his groin was tight. Fingers crossed he’s okay.” – Eddie Howe on Sven Botman
Arsenal XI: Raya (Kepa 59); White (Nicholas 77), Saliba (Salmon 77), Calafiori (Kiwior 49), Lewis-Skelly (Zinchenko 77); Zubimendi (Norgaard 77), Nwaneri (Odegaard 46), Merino (Rice 70); Saka (Dowman 59), Trossard (Harriman-Annous 77), Havertz (Martinelli 59)
Newcastle United XI: Pope (Ruddy 73); Trippier (Livramento 46), Lascelles (Botman 46, Ashby 70), Burn (Krafth 46), A Murphy (Targett 46); Tonali (Joelinton 46), Guimaraes (Miley 46), Willock (Schar 46); Elanga (J Murphy 46), Gordon (Barnes 46), Osula (Neave 73)
