Arsenal mounted a stunning late comeback to secure a 2–1 win over Newcastle at St. James’ Park on Sunday, staking an early claim in the Premier League title race.
The Gunners looked set for a fourth consecutive defeat on Tyneside after Nick Woltemade’s first-half header gave the hosts the lead. But Mikel Merino levelled with a superb header, and Gabriel Magalhães sealed all three points with a dramatic 96th-minute winner from a corner.
The victory moves Arsenal into second place, just two points behind leaders Liverpool, who suffered their first defeat of the season at Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta’s side looked to have wasted a golden opportunity in a heated encounter, but their persistence paid off — a win that could prove crucial in a title race that promises to go the distance.
Arteta made bold changes following criticism of last weekend’s cautious 1–1 draw against Manchester City, bringing back Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze to the starting XI. Eze nearly opened the scoring inside five minutes, forcing a fine save from Nick Pope.
Soon after, Arsenal were incensed when Pope clattered Viktor Gyökeres in the box. Referee Jarred Gillett initially awarded a penalty, but VAR overturned the decision, ruling Pope had made contact with the ball before the collision.
Leandro Trossard then struck the post as the Gunners piled on early pressure. But it was Newcastle who struck first.
Nick Woltemade, signed to replace the departed Alexander Isak, justified his price tag with a strong finish in the 34th minute. The German forward shrugged off Gabriel’s challenge to nod home Sandro Tonali’s cross, scoring his second goal since arriving on Tyneside.
Despite dominating possession, Arsenal found it difficult to penetrate Newcastle’s compact defence in the second half. Pope denied Jurrien Timber’s header with another acrobatic save, while Gyökeres again struggled to influence proceedings in a big game.
It was Merino, operating in midfield but so often a big-game contributor, who brought Arsenal level — glancing in Declan Rice’s inch-perfect cross with less than 10 minutes remaining.
Newcastle nearly restored their lead when Anthony Elanga’s cross struck Gabriel’s outstretched arm, but this time VAR sided with the Gunners.
Moments later, Gabriel turned match-winner. Rising highest from Martin Ødegaard’s corner, the Brazilian beat Pope to the ball to nod home in the 96th minute, sparking wild celebrations on the Arsenal bench.
Arsenal’s dramatic win sees them leapfrog Crystal Palace into second place, closing the gap on Liverpool to just two points. With momentum and belief now firmly behind Arteta’s men, the result could prove pivotal come May.
AFP
