Arsenal edge Newcastle with late Gabriel winner

Arsenal secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Sunday, courtesy of a stoppage-time header from defender Gabriel. The late winner ended Arsenal’s three-game losing streak on Tyneside and marked a resilient comeback after trailing for most of the match.

Newcastle took the lead in the 34th minute through Nick Woltemade, whose precise header put the Magpies ahead. Arsenal controlled much of the play but struggled to convert chances, despite strong performances from midfielder Mikel Merino—who equalized in the 84th minute—and attackers Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka. The breakthrough came in injury time when Gabriel rose to meet a corner delivered by Martin Ødegaard, directing a decisive header past Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope.

The match featured key defensive moments and VAR intervention. Arsenal’s goalkeeper David Raya was tested multiple times, while Newcastle’s Pope denied several goal-scoring opportunities, including two fine saves against Eze. A potential penalty award for Newcastle was overturned after VAR review, highlighting the tight officiating.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised his team’s mental strength after falling behind. Gabriel’s composure in front of goal underscores his value as a threat on set pieces, complementing Arsenal’s tactical emphasis on midfield control and wide attacking play. Conversely, the result was a bitter setback for Newcastle and manager Eddie Howe, compounded by a late injury to Tino Livramento ahead of their upcoming Champions League fixture.

This victory bolsters Arsenal’s ambitions under Arteta by demonstrating resilience in adverse conditions and depth in defensive prowess, while Newcastle must regroup quickly to maintain momentum in domestic and European competitions. Gabriel’s winning goal may signal renewed confidence in Arsenal’s campaign after a challenging spell away from home.