Gabriel’s stoppage-time header seals Arsenal’s 2-1 comeback victory against Newcastle

NEWCASTLE, Sept 29 — Arsenal snatched a dramatic 2-1 win over Newcastle United at St James’ Park yesterday, with defender Gabriel heading home the decisive goal deep into stoppage time to move the Gunners within two points of Premier League leaders Liverpool.

The victory lifted Arsenal to second place on 13 points from six matches, while Newcastle sit 15th with six points.

Newcastle struck first in the 34th minute when Nick Woltemade powered in a header from a short-corner routine after Arsenal’s Cristhian Mosquera gifted possession with a poor back-pass.

Arsenal endured a frustrating evening, denied repeatedly by goalkeeper Nick Pope, wasteful finishing, and a contentious VAR intervention that overturned an early penalty. The breakthrough finally came in the 84th minute when Mikel Merino glanced in a header against his former club, before Gabriel rose above the defence to nod in Martin Odegaard’s corner six minutes into added time.

“Unbelievable — nothing beats a late winner. I’m speechless, so happy,” Arsenal captain Bukayo Saka told Sky Sports.

The match also reignited debate over VAR, after Viktor Gyokeres was brought down by Pope in the first half. Referee Jarred Gillett initially awarded a penalty, but the decision was overturned on review, with replays showing Pope’s slight touch on the ball.

“There are things we can talk about, like the penalty,” Saka said. “If VAR is for clear and obvious errors, then the fact it took so long to decide shows it wasn’t.”

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admitted his side fell short. “Two really late goals at home are painful. We have to acknowledge we weren’t at our best. The effort was there, but the details cost us,” he told BBC, noting Odegaard’s influence in turning the game. — Reuters