Late Arsenal Rally Secures 2:1 Victory over Newcastle, Narrowing Gap to Liverpool

Key Takeaways:

• Arsenal overturned a deficit to triumph 2:1 against Newcastle away from home
• Mikel Merino levelled the score in the 84th minute before Gabriel Magalhães netted the winner deep into added time
• The Gunners reduced Liverpool’s lead at the top of the table to two points after this result

Match Summary

Arsenal dramatically clinched a 2:1 away win at Newcastle, overturning a first-half deficit and capitalising on Liverpool’s earlier stumble to move within two points of the league summit. Despite being behind until the 84th minute, Mikel Arteta’s side secured all three points through late goals from substitute Mikel Merino and Gabriel Magalhães.

First Half: Missed Chances Punished

Seeking a more attacking approach following recent criticism, Arteta included Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze in his starting line-up. Arsenal began at a frenetic pace, and in only the third minute, Declan Rice found Viktor Gyökeres, but Nick Pope was not troubled. Pope quickly followed with a crucial save from Eze’s strike in the fifth minute.

Despite the visitors’ dominance, a moment of miscommunication almost handed Arsenal a penalty: Jacob Murphy’s poor back pass forced Pope to challenge Gyökeres, but after reviewing the decision, the referee ruled in favour of the goalkeeper, who had made contact with the ball.

Arsenal beat Newcastle at St. James’ Park for the first time since 2023 🔴 pic.twitter.com/RGw3Bp8XhN

— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 28, 2025

Arsenal continued to look dangerous, with Riccardo Calafiori sending a header wide and Leandro Trossard striking the woodwork in the 25th minute after being teed up by Saka. Pope again denied Eze moments later, and thwarted Saka’s effort at the near post.

Failing to capitalise proved costly for Arsenal in the 34th minute, as Newcastle took the lead through Nick Woltemade. Sandro Tonali delivered the cross, which Woltemade nodded home. The visitors’ claims of a foul on Magalhães were dismissed. Arsenal pressed for a quick response, but Newcastle stood firm for the remainder of the half.

Second Half: Tactical Changes and Mounting Pressure

At the interval, Arteta introduced William Saliba in place of Mosquera, altering the defensive setup. Newcastle created the first threat after the restart, with Murphy’s cross almost presenting Woltemade a second, but the striker struck the post—however, the flag was raised for offside.

While both teams fought fiercely for possession, Arsenal struggled to generate clear opportunities as Newcastle’s defence remained disciplined. Eze volleyed wide in the 55th minute following a well-worked attack. On the other end, Newcastle enjoyed a spell of pressure, and Pope produced another fine save in the 59th minute, reacting well to Jurrien Timber’s header from a Subimendi cross.

Substitutions injected new impetus: Newcastle brought on Elanga, Trippier and Osula for Murphy, Anthony Gordon, and Woltemade. Arsenal responded with Merino and Martinelli replacing Saka and Calafiori. Gyökeres had two half-chances but was unable to convert, and Tino Livramento was unfortunately forced to depart due to injury.

Late Drama: Arsenal Complete the Comeback

The Gunners found their reward in the 84th minute when Rice delivered an inch-perfect cross for Merino to nod in the equaliser. Newcastle’s immediate response was nearly rewarded, as Elanga’s cross struck Magalhães’s hand in the box, but the referee waved play on. Shortly afterwards, a similar situation unfolded at the opposite end with Bruno Guimarães’s handball, which also went unpunished.

The decisive moment arrived in the sixth minute of added time. From a corner, Pope was unable to clear under pressure from Saliba, allowing Magalhães to guide the ball into the net, sparking jubilant celebrations among the visitors.

Match Statistics