Arsenal fully took advantage of Liverpool’s defeat. Visiting Newcastle United, Mikel Arteta’s side secured a win deep into stoppage time against the Magpies. Earlier in the match, the Gunners had felt robbed.
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Arsenal took full advantage of Liverpool’s defeat by securing a dramatic 2-1 victory over Newcastle United at St James’ Park, a result that could prove pivotal in the Premier League title race.
In a game full of controversy, missed chances, and late drama, Mikel Arteta’s side showed resilience and determination to overturn a deficit and grab all three points deep into stoppage time.
The game started with intensity, and Arsenal looked set to take control early on. Viktor Gyökeres, who has quickly become a focal point of the Gunners’ attack, was brought down inside the Newcastle penalty area after just a few minutes. Referee Jarred Gillett pointed to the spot, but VAR reviewed the incident and determined that the defender had touched the ball before making contact with the striker. The decision infuriated Arteta and his players, who felt they had been denied a clear penalty. The sense of injustice grew moments later when Leandro Trossard unleashed a powerful shot that rattled the crossbar, with Nick Pope beaten.
Newcastle, who had been under pressure early on, grew into the game and stunned Arsenal with the opening goal. Nick Woltemade, the German forward who has shown flashes of promise since arriving in the Premier League, appeared to shove Gabriel Magalhães before slotting the ball past David Raya. Despite Arsenal protests, VAR did not intervene this time, and the goal stood. It was Woltemade’s second goal of the season, and it gave the Magpies a lead to defend.
With the advantage, Newcastle changed their approach. They sat deeper, soaked up pressure, and looked to counterattack with pace. Sven Botman, who was excellent throughout the match, marshaled the defense with authority, while Bruno Guimarães worked tirelessly in midfield to disrupt Arsenal’s rhythm. Arsenal, however, continued to dominate possession. They had more than sixty percent of the ball and attempted around twenty shots, but their accuracy in front of goal was poor. Jurriën Timber came close to equalizing after meeting a delightful chipped pass from Martín Zubimendi, but his header was brilliantly saved by Pope. From the resulting corner, Timber blasted his shot over the bar, another sign of Arsenal’s growing frustration.
Arteta turned to his bench, bringing on Gabriel Martinelli, who had been the hero in recent weeks with crucial goals off the bench. However, this time the Brazilian struggled to make an impact from open play, with Newcastle’s defense closing him down quickly. Arsenal’s main threat continued to come from set pieces, and it was from one of these that they finally broke through. A quickly taken corner caught Newcastle off guard, and Declan Rice whipped in a perfect cross that found Mikel Merino. The former Newcastle midfielder rose high and powered a header into the far corner, leaving Pope with no chance and leveling the game against his old club.
Newcastle responded by pushing forward again, and they nearly regained the lead in controversial circumstances. Tino Livramento, who had to be substituted with what looked like a serious injury, had just left the pitch when the home side appealed for a penalty after the ball struck Gabriel’s arm inside the box. However, replays showed the ball had deflected off the Brazilian’s body first, and VAR correctly decided not to award a penalty. The Emirates side breathed a sigh of relief, and moments later they had their own handball shout at the other end. Newcastle defenders handled under pressure, and from the resulting corner Arsenal found the decisive goal.
With nearly one hundred minutes on the clock, Gabriel Magalhães made amends for his earlier involvement in Woltemade’s goal by rising highest in the crowded box. The Brazilian defender met a precise cross and sent a towering header past the advancing Pope, sparking wild celebrations among the Arsenal players, staff, and traveling supporters. It was a trademark late winner, reminiscent of the kind Liverpool have produced so often this season, but this time it was Arsenal who stole the points in dramatic fashion.
The victory was not only important for the points but also symbolic. Arsenal have often struggled at St James’ Park in recent years, with Newcastle proving to be a difficult opponent at home. This time, however, Arteta’s men showed character, composure, and persistence to finally claim a victory in the northeast. The timing of the result was equally crucial, as rivals Chelsea and Tottenham had both failed to capitalize on Liverpool’s defeat earlier in the day. Chelsea had lost 3-1 and Spurs were held to a 1-1 draw, but Arsenal ensured they kept the pressure firmly on Jürgen Klopp’s side.
As the season edges closer to its climax, every point and every result matters more than ever. Arsenal’s ability to turn around a difficult away game, under pressure and in controversial circumstances, may prove to be a defining moment in their campaign. The Gunners now sit closer to the top, with momentum on their side and belief that this could finally be their year to bring the Premier League title back to North London.
Updated: 09:01, 28 Sep 2025
