Just a few months ago, Newcastle was still flying high. They have eliminated Arsenal from the Carabao Cup semi-finals, mocked their opponents on their journey to lift their first domestic trophy in 70 years, and fulfilled their dream of returning to the Champions League after many years of absence.
On the contrary, Arsenal ended the season empty-handed, despite a promising start. The Gunners' decline in the decisive period has turned early expectations into disappointment.
Back this summer in Singapore, the situation has changed significantly.
While Arsenal introduced £63 million signing striker Viktor Gyokeres right before the match, Newcastle are facing an increasingly clear prospect of having to part ways with star Alexander Isak.
On the pitch, coach Mikel Arteta's team won 3-2 against the Magpies. However, it was the developments off the pitch that most clearly reflected the change in the fortunes of the two clubs.
Arteta has signed six new signings in the summer transfer window and has no intention of stopping.
Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze is emerging as the next target, in the context of Arsenal continuing to strive to build a squad with enough depth and class to overcome all challenges in the coming season.
"We have a clear plan, many options and are gradually improving the quality and depth of the squad through signed contracts.
We are very happy to have Viktor Gyokeres. It's been a long journey to bring him here. You can feel the excitement from the players as well as the atmosphere around him when he joins the team" - the Spanish captain said.
Arsenal showed off the strength and depth of the new squad in the victory over Newcastle. Anthony Elanga opened the scoring early for the "Magpies", but Arsenal quickly reversed the score thanks to Mikel Merino's goal and an own goal by Alex Murphy.
In the second half, Jacob Murphy brought the match back to balance, before Martin Odegaard sealed a 3-2 victory for the "Gunners" from the penalty spot.
While Arsenal seem ready to compete in all competitions, Newcastle shows signs of slowing down and coach Eddie Howe knows that well.
"No, his situation has not changed. Of course, I think we will miss a quality player like Alexander Isak, and the whole team will feel that. It's undeniable," Howe said when asked about Isak's future.
With no new players added, Howe was forced to end the match against two young and inexperienced strikers: William Osula and Sean Nieve. This fact only highlights the difficult situation Newcastle is facing.
When he saw Arsenal spending big while Newcastle were still struggling to pursue their goals, Howe was skillful but still could not hide his frankness.
"In my opinion, you should never compare yourself with other clubs. They will do what they think necessary, and we also have to try to do the right thing in our circumstances" - the English captain said.
However, Howe will find it difficult to stay calm when leaving the Singapore National Stadium. Newcastle's latest transfer target - Yoane Wissa (Brentford) - is at risk of breaking his dream of moving to St. Petersburg. James' Park.
Brentford demand a higher price as they do not want to continue to lose more pillars, after selling Christian Norgaard and Bryan Mbeumo in the summer transfer window.
