Three things we learned from Arsenal win over Newcastle as Martin Zubimendi slots in seamlessly | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta’s side are two wins from two in Asia

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Newcastle managed to find an equaliser in the second-half when Jacob Murphy fired home from range.

Here are three things we learned from Arsenal's victory...

Dowman takes his chance

At just 15 years old, Dowman is proving that age is no barrier. The teenager, a second-half substitute, changed the game with his fearless driving runs, winning the penalty that helped Arsenal secure victory late on.

From the moment he stepped off the bench, he took the game to Newcastle and with his first involvement drew a foul from the typically imperious Joelinton.

Dowman was just too quick for the Newcastle midfielder, and when he skipped past him again in the area, the Brazilian was drawn into a sloppy foul, giving the referee no choice but to award a spot-kick.

Young players often carry themselves without the weight of pressure or expectation, but the control Dowman exerted against a Newcastle side revered for their ability to dominate physically was remarkable.

Dowman has long been considered a huge talent with a bright future, but he is grasping his opportunity with both hands here. It would not be inconceivable to see him propelled into the first team next season on the basis of his cameo performances against AC Milan and Newcastle.

Gyokeres will provide a much-needed focal point

Arsenal's new £63.5million striker was in attendance in Singapore, and while Kai Havertz was by no means anonymous, Gyokeres won't be particularly worried about what he saw from the German.

Havertz was involved in both Arsenal goals in the first-half but struggled to carve out any goalscoring opportunities of his own.

The 26-year-old continues to lack conviction in and around the box despite bulking up in the off-season.

There is a distinct lack of aggressiveness and self-belief to attack the ball, which Gyokeres has in abundance.

It is very apparent that if Arsenal are to challenge on four fronts next season and bring some silverware to the red corner of North London, they need a truly world-class striker to lead the line.

Goals are one thing, but it's also about presence. Arsenal have often been accused of having a soft centre. They need a striker who can occupy defenders, ask questions and play on the edge. Gyokeres provides that.

Zubimendi looks a natural fit

Zubimendi outlined this week that he wants to provide Arsenal with a "passing outlet", and he did so effortlessly as he picked his way through a Newcastle side that overwhelmed the Gunners with their physicality last season.

Following on from an assured debut against Milan, San Sebastian-born Zubimendi looked right at home, surrounded by familiar faces and Basque influences, against Newcastle.

The Spanish international was always in space, always offering an option and alert to every loose ball. He worked in tandem with Merino as the pair helped turn the game on its head with two goals in as many minutes.

Arteta, who views Zubimendi as a No6, will work with the 26-year-old on finding that bite without the ball, but there is no doubting the former Real Sociedad midfielder's credentials in possession.

This was another confident performance in which Zubimendi cruised through pressure and dictated play. He is a natural fit and a clear upgrade on Jorginho.