Arsenal left it late to beat Newcastle United 2-1 in a thriller at St James’ Park. Gabriel was the match-winner with a towering header from a corner in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time. Nick Woltemade had opened the scoring against the run of play for the hosts, after Leandro Trossard had rattled the woodwork and Eberechi Eze had tested home goalkeeper Nick Pope countless times from the edge of the Newcastle box.
Mikel Arteta threw the kitchen sink at Eddie Howe’s Magpies in the second 45 minutes, even playing natural midfielder Martin Zubimendi at left-back as he went for broke. That prompted Mikel Merino to step off the substitutes’ bench and flick home a delicious Declan Rice delivery to equalise at the death, and there was still time for Gabriel to rise highest and complete a remarkable comeback to snare all three points.
It’s a result that leaves the Gunners two points off Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table, after the Reds were beaten by Crystal Palace in stoppage time on Saturday, as Eddie Nketiah, the former Arsenal striker, did the honours to break the champions’ hearts.
Newcastle vs Arsenal latest news
- GOAL! Gabriel powers home from corner
- GOAL! Merino nets late equaliser
- GOAL! Woltemade opens scoring
- POST! Trossard rattles woodwork
- NO PENALTY! Arsenal denied spot-kick by VAR
That's all, folks!
20:33 , Oli GentThanks very much for joining us for what proved to be one of, if not the, best games of the weekend.
Be sure to come back very soon for even more LIVE Premier League action!
More Howe reaction
19:17 , Oli Gent"Early on in the game we didn't look our best physically,” he said.
“We looked jaded. We took the lead and sometimes you will have days, especially with the schedule we have this season, where you are not physically at your best and you have to find a way to win and we weren't able to do that.
“Martin Odegaard made a difference for them, he started to penetrate our lines more. We defended the set-pieces pretty well until the end.
"They are always a threat, they have got great players. I don't think we hit our best levels and then collectively you suffer.
“We were in the lead and we had what we wanted and we were looking to close the game down.”
The Magpies boss was also asked about Tino Livramento, who was taken off on a stretcher.
"I don't know, I haven't spoken to him or anyone from the medical side yet,” he replied.
Howe reaction
19:16 , Oli Gent"I thought we tried,” the Newcastle manager told Sky Sports.
“We gave everything to the game. It was really physical. I don't think we were at our best today being honest. Arsenal played very well.
“We had our chances in the game and we took the lead and we were desperate to try and hang on to that lead. Nick [Pope] made some good saves for us but it wan't to be and we conceded set-pieces at the end so disappointing.”
Arsenal player ratings
18:49 , Oli GentSimon Collings was on hand to rate each of the Arsenal players this evening...
Gabriel the match-winner as Gunners leave it late
18:49 , Oli GentWhat a game. Drama from start to finish.
Simon Collings reports
18:33 , Oli GentWhat a game. Huge second half from Arsenal and surely one of the most satisfying of Arteta's managerial career. Merino with the equaliser off the bench and then a late, late winner from Gabriel. The gap to leaders Liverpool is down to two.
FT: Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
18:33 , Oli GentThat’s it! Arsenal have won it, in the most dramatic fashion!
Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
18:32 , Oli Gent90+8 mins: Tonali is asking for handball as a final Newcastle free kick is thrown into the box. It’s checked and cleared.
GOAL! Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
18:30 , Oli Gent90+6 mins: They’ve won it, and Gabriel steals in to power home from the corner!
Newcastle 1-1 Arsenal
18:28 , Oli Gent90+5 mins: What a tackle! That is a sublime pass from Odegaard on the reverse looking for Lewis-Skelly, and Thiaw slides across to block the cut-back with Gyokeres waiting to tap in!
Newcastle 1-1 Arsenal
18:27 , Oli Gent90+4 mins: Barnes is coming on for Joelinton.
Newcastle 1-1 Arsenal
18:24 , Oli Gent90+1 mins: Newcastle are furious as they believe Osula has been unfairly pulled back by Saliba, but the referee waves play on!
Newcastle 1-1 Arsenal
18:23 , Oli Gent90 mins: Eight added minutes.
Newcastle 1-1 Arsenal
18:21 , Oli Gent88 mins: A long throw for Newcastle. In from Burn, and Gabriel heads it out. Burn desperately stops Martinelli speeding away, and takes the booking for the cynical foul.
Newcastle 1-1 Arsenal
18:21 , Oli Gent87 mins: No penalty! VAR are looking at a potential handball against Gabriel from Elanga’s cross, but there’s nothing doing. Jason Tindall gets a booking for his reaction to that decision. Arsenal bring on Lewis-Skelly for Trossard.
GOAL! Newcastle 1-1 Arsenal
18:18 , Oli Gent85 mins: Arsenal are level, and this time it’s Newcastle who are caught from the short corner! Rice plays it short to Odegaard, and gets it back. Merino gets across to flick it into the far corner!
Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal
18:16 , Oli Gent84 mins: It’s Rice and Gabriel at centre-back, Saliba at right-back, and Timber at left-back. Meanwhile, Joelinton has been booked for a flying challenge.
Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal
18:15 , Oli Gent83 mins: Odegaard is on for Zubimendi. Surely he won’t be playing left-back...
Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal
18:15 , Oli Gent82 mins: Jeers from the home end as Gyokeres has a rare sight of goal. He gets slipped in, but then proceeds to slip himself, losing his footing, ballooning the effort over the top!
Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal
18:12 , Oli Gent79 mins: Arsenal have seemingly settled into their shape post-subs, and is that Martin Zubimendi at left-back?
Simon Collings reports
18:10 , Oli Gent77 mins: We are right next to the tunnel here and Livramento looks distraught on that stretcher. Got his head in his hands.
Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal
18:09 , Oli Gent76 mins: Lascelles is stripped and ready to replace Livramento, who’s getting stretchered off here. Not ideal for Newcastle or England.
Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal
18:07 , Oli Gent73 mins: The game is heating up with the home crowd pumping their side up. Livramento is down with an injury and is receiving treatment after he jars something during an awkward fall.
Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal
18:05 , Oli Gent71 mins: Corner, Arsenal. The Gunners deliver towards the near post as Gyokeres pips Botman at the near post, and the ball sits up nicely for him to strike. It’s deflected behind for another, but Rice’s delivery is collected by Pope.
Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal
18:03 , Oli Gent70 mins: A few problems for Newcastle. The first is immediate, as Saka cuts in on his left and his cross-shot is deflected into the path of Gyokeres. Botman stabs it behind for the second problem, a corner for the visitors, who make two subs. Saka is replaced by Martinelli, and Merino comes on for Calafiori. The third problem is that Joelinton is down hurt, but he’s getting to his feet.
Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal
18:01 , Oli Gent69 mins: It’s a definitive back five for the hosts now as Livramento shifts to left wing-back, and Trippier is on the right. Osula will be a willing runner alongside Elanga up top, with Guimaraes, Tonali and Joelinton the midfield three.
Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal
18:00 , Oli Gent67 mins: Three subs for Newcastle. Gordon, Murphy, and Woltemade are all replaced by Trippier, Osula, and Elanga.
Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal
17:58 , Oli Gent66 mins: Jacob Murphy is through here! He’s sent through after a nice ball from Guimaraes. Does he have the pace and the poise? Rice is in hot pursuit, and gets back on top of him to deflect his effort behind! Corner, Newcastle.
Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal
17:57 , Oli Gent65 mins: Definitely more of a 5-4-1 for Newcastle out of possession now, especially as they begin to drop deeper. Gordon is moving back into a left full-back position, with Burn shifting into a more natural left-sided centre-back role. That leaves Joelinton covering on the left of the midfield.
Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal
17:56 , Oli Gent63 mins: 27 minutes plus stoppages to go. What do Arsenal have in the tank?
Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal
17:53 , Oli Gent60 mins: What a save! That is some lovely intricate build-up from Arsenal. A delicious dink from Zubimendi stabs it over the top for Timber to nod it down towards the bottom corner, but Pope gets down to deny him!
Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal
17:50 , Oli Gent58 mins: Close! Gordon teases Saka down the left and looks inside for Joelinton. The Brazilian feints on the outside and tries to take a shot on his left peg, but he slices it wide of the target.
Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal
17:49 , Oli Gent57 mins: Livramento makes a burst and is stopped abruptly in his tracks - illegally - by Calafiori, who is booked.
Simon Collings reports
17:48 , Oli Gent56 mins: Intriguing to see how Arteta changes this as the final 30 minutes get closer. Much is made of his 'finishers' and he needs something from them today.
Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal
17:48 , Oli Gent55 mins: A brilliant shimmy and pass into the middle of the box from Gordon, but Woltemade can’t set himself!
Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal
17:46 , Oli Gent54 mins: Thiaw has been brilliant at the back for Newcastle. Gyokeres has hardly had a sniff when faced up by the German.
Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal
17:44 , Oli Gent51 mins: Arsenal are back in control of the ball as the home crowd begins to grow restless. It’s all well and good the Gunners stroking it around between themselves, but they need to get it forward!
Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal
17:40 , Oli Gent47 mins: Close! Newcastle come agonisingly close to a second as Murphy sends it into the middle, and Woltemade controls, and looks to poke it home, but from close range, he slams it against the bar!
Kick off!
17:39 , Oli Gent46 mins: We’re back underway. William Saliba replaced Cristhian Mosquera at half time.
HT: Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal
17:23 , Oli GentThere’s the interval, and Newcastle lead at the break. It’s been a belting battle so far.
What will the second half have in store?
Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal
17:22 , Oli Gent45+7 mins: Burn has done superbly marshalling Saka down that right side so far. An inspired decision from Howe to play him there.
Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal
17:19 , Oli Gent45+3 mins: Saka is enraged as he feels that he is fouled by the backtracking Tonali. The winger had linked nicely with Gyokeres to be sent away down the right, but the referee deemed that not to be a free kick.
Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal
17:15 , Oli Gent45+1 mins: Seven added minutes.
Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal
17:15 , Oli Gent45 mins: Free kick, Newcastle. A chance for the hosts to reset after Saka handles.
Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal
17:13 , Oli Gent42 mins: Replays show a slight scuffle between Woltemade and Gabriel off the ball. The Brazilian gives the German a jab in the face, and the striker pulls his shirt in retort. The referee has a word with the pair, with Gabriel looking to show his innocence with a handshake, which Woltemade has no interest in accepting. The two players are still sharing choice words with each other.
Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal
17:11 , Oli Gent41 mins: Gyokeres breaks forward down the right channel and looks to speed away towards goal. Thiaw gets across as Gyokeres tries to chop back inside, but the German stays strong to rob the Swede.
Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal
17:10 , Oli Gent40 mins: Tonali gets it back from Woltemade after the German’s lovely return. Newcastle are in their groove here, and are buoyed following that goal.
Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal
17:09 , Oli Gent39 mins: Arteta and his players were furious that that goal has been allowed to stand. They’re claiming that Gabriel was pushed in the back by Woltemade, but VAR has ruled that the Brazilian goes down far too easily.
Simon Collings reports
17:07 , Oli Gent37 mins: And there we go, Arsenal behind after dominating the opening 30 minutes. A real gut punch for Arteta's side. Big response needed now.
GOAL! Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal
17:05 , Oli Gent34 mins: Newcastle are ahead against the run of play, and it’s Nick Woltemade! Arsenal are caught out by the short corner as the big man wriggles free of Gabriel and makes contact, with a bullet header into the corner!
Simon Collings reports
17:02 , Oli Gent33 mins: There is a growing sense that Arsenal need to take one of these chances. They're creating plenty, but can't be so wasteful at a place like this.
Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal
17:01 , Oli Gent31 mins: Saka’s delivery is sent to the back post for Trossard to nod back across, but there’s nothing doing as Pope claims.
Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal
17:00 , Oli Gent30 mins: Corner, Arsenal. A lovely spread out wide right towards Timber, who ventures forward to support the attacking move. He looks to cross, but it’s well defended by Gordon, who closes down the full-back.
Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal
16:59 , Oli Gent29 mins: What a save! Calafiori’s long throw bounces out for Eze, who has space in the D! What a strike from the Englishman, who forces another great stop from Pope to his right with a cannon of a half-volley!
Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal
16:58 , Oli Gent28 mins: Eze is making a real impact in a central area. He’s having shots off from the edge of the box, and he’s also playing closer to Gyokeres, who is looking a lot less isolated.
Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal
16:56 , Oli Gent26 mins: Off the post! That’s the best move of the game as Leandro Trossard rattles the woodwork. Eze and Gyokeres combine as it’s worked out to the Belgian following an easy-on-the-eye, eight-pass move, and his left-footed drive crashes off the near post!
Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal
16:55 , Oli Gent25 mins: Premier League Match Centre on X:
After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of penalty to Arsenal.
Referee announcement: "After review, the Newcastle goalkeeper plays the ball and there is no foul.
“The final decision is drop ball."
Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal
16:55 , Oli Gent24 mins: Close! The free kick from Rice is tossed towards Gyokeres peeling around the back, and the Swede knocks it down for Calafiori coming in! The Italian nods it narrowly wide.
Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal
16:53 , Oli Gent23 mins: Saka is over the set piece, and whips in an inswinger. The red bodies crowd the far post, but he goes very deep to Trossard all the way at the back. The chance is gone, however, as the Belgian doesn’t deliver the ball back in.
Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal
16:53 , Oli Gent22 mins: Saka stands up Burn down the right and looks to head for the byline, and he wins the corner.
Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal
16:50 , Oli Gent20 mins: Woltemade wrestles with Mosquera in the left channel. This game has started with real bite.
Simon Collings reports
16:48 , Oli Gent18 mins: Arteta put his head in his hands after that VAR call. He can't believe it.
Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal
16:47 , Oli Gent17 mins: No penalty! The VAR concludes that Pope plays the ball!
Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal
16:47 , Oli Gent16 mins: Hang on! VAR are having a look at this... the referee is heading to the monitor. Has Pope got a toe on the ball? Gyokeres appears to beat Pope to the ball, but the ‘keeper does get a slight touch before bringing down the striker. What will they decide here?
Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal
16:45 , Oli Gent15 mins: Penalty! Arsenal have a spot-kick, and Nick Pope is the guilty party, as Gyokeres beats him to the ball and nicks it past him from Murphy’s toe-poke back to the ‘keeper, which sells the England man short! He fells the Swede, and it’ll be a penalty.
Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal
16:44 , Oli Gent14 mins: Thiaw wins the first contact once more, but that’s come off an Arsenal head, and that’ll be another corner for the home side. Tonali over it again, with an inswinger, but that’s good from Raya to punch it away under the crossbar.
Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal
16:43 , Oli Gent13 mins: Corner, Newcastle. Sloppy from Arsenal as Mosquera gets caught playing out, and it’s worked out to the right through Guimaraes for Livramento to get a cross in. He does, which Calafiori blocks. Tonali delivers, but overcooks it. It comes out for Gordon, who sends in a delicious cross, which Rice has to flick behind for another.
Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal
16:41 , Oli Gent12 mins: Thiaw makes contact, but it bounces nicely for Raya, who catches, and looks to release Eze with a quick kick downfield, but that’s simple enough for Murphy to sweep up.
Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal
16:41 , Oli Gent11 mins: Dangerous from Newcastle as Woltemade breaks into some space down the left, and looks to link up with Gordon, who switches position with the striker. Burn joins in on the overlap, putting a good cross in, but Gabriel does well to marshal Woltemade in the box. The pressure is still on with a corner for the hosts here.
Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal
16:39 , Oli Gent9 mins: Burn clips one down the line for Gordon to test his pace against Timber. The England international gets to it first, but the bounce isn’t kind and falls nicely for the Dutch full-back.
Simon Collings reports
16:36 , Oli Gent7 mins: A really bright start from Arsenal, who have so often been slow to get going up here. Eze looking dangerous in those central areas.
Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal
16:36 , Oli Gent6 mins: Good save! Arsenal streak forward as Timber’s cross is deflected, and Eze takes it down nicely across his body before hitting with his left, and he forces Pope into a strong stop down to his left! Corner, Arsenal.
Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal
16:35 , Oli Gent5 mins: A chance for a Newcastle long throw as Livramento lines this one up from the right. Burn and Botman are near post, but it trickles into Raya’s path. He flings it long for Gyokeres, but Pope cottons onto the danger quickly.
Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal
16:33 , Oli Gent3 mins: A couple of tactical observations for you. Dan Burn is at left-back, with the Toon in a back four. He’ll be directly up against his compatriot Bukayo Saka.
Sandro Tonali seems to be the holder for Newcastle, with Guimaraes a bit more advanced.
Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal
16:32 , Oli Gent2 mins: Joelinton clumsily fells Saka for the first free kick of the game. Rice plays it in, and Gyokeres makes contact, but his header is tame and comfortable for Pope.
Kick off!
16:30 , Oli Gent1 min: We are underway.
Here come the teams!
16:26 , Oli GentThe players are out, and the atmosphere is electric. Who will come out on top?
Simon Collings reports
16:25 , Oli GentThe Arsenal fans are right in the gods here at St. James' Park, but you could hear a little cheer from them as Aaron Ramsdale's name was read out among the Newcastle subs.
Back three?
16:18 , Oli GentCould it be a back three for the hosts?
There are three natural centre-backs named - Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, and Dan Burn - and Jacob Murphy and Tino Livramento at wing-back.
But at the same time, it could be a back four with Burn at left-back.
How will they line up?
Villa beat Fulham
16:10 , Oli GentIn the earlier game on Saturday, Aston Villa came back from a goal down to defeat Fulham 3-1 at Villa Park.
Unai Emery’s side fell behind to Raul Jimenez’s opener, before Ollie Watkins levelled.
John McGinn turned the scores around, before Emi Buendia followed up with a second in as many minutes to wrap up all three points.
Black armbands
16:00 , Oli GentBoth sides will be wearing black armbands for former Arsenal youth player Billy Vigar, who tragically passed away aged 21.
Interesting selections from Arteta!
15:50 , Oli GentSo there’s no Odegaard from the off, and it’s Eze who start in a central position for the first time!
In defence, William Saliba drops out for Cristhian Mosquera in the middle, while Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori are cementing themselves as first-choice.
Leandro Trossard remains on the left flank, so there is no start for last week’s super-sub Gabriel Martinelli.
Arsenal lineup
15:40 , Oli GentConfirmed Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Zubimendi, Eze; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard.
Subs: Arrizabalaga, Saliba, Lewis-Skelly, White, Odegaard, Norgaard, Merino, Martinelli, Dowman.
Newcastle lineup
15:30 , Oli GentConfirmed Newcastle XI: Pope; Livramento, Thiaw, Botman, Burn; Joelinton, Guimaraes, Tonali; Murphy, Woltemade, Gordon.
Subs: Ramsdale, Trippier, Lascelles, Barnes, Krafth, Osula, Elanga, Willock, Miley.
Head to head record
15:20 , Oli GentNewcastle beat Arsenal three times last season, including twice at St James’ Park. Overall though, the Gunners hold the advantage in the head to head record.
Newcastle wins: 72
Arsenal wins: 86
Draws: 39
Arsenal out to silence Arteta critics by ending Newcastle hoodoo
15:10 , Oli GentIf you were to guess the three managers that have beaten Mikel Arteta the most during his coaching career so far, you would probably correctly name the top two, writes Simon Collings.
Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp claim those positions, but the man in third place is more surprising and harder to call.
Eddie Howe is the manager in question and, during his time at Newcastle, he has become a real thorn in Arteta’s side.
Newcastle sent warning with Arsenal to show 'attacking mindset'
15:00 , Oli GentChristian Norgaard insists Arsenal are “an attacking team” and will show it against Newcastle, writes Simon Collings.
The Gunners have been accused of playing with the “handbrake on” during the early part of the season.
Sky Sports pundits Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville both criticised Mikel Arteta for his approach last weekend, when Arsenal drew with Manchester City.
Eze: Arsenal 'just where I'm meant to be'
14:50 , Oli GentEberechi Eze has said that Arsenal is “where I am meant to be” following his £67.5million move from Crystal Palace.
The attacking midfielder has played five times for his new club since, scoring his first goal in the League Cup win over Port Vale in midweek.
Standard Sport prediction
14:40 , Oli GentArsenal haven’t had much joy in their recent trips to St James’ Park. In fact, they haven’t scored on their last three visits - something that will have to change if they’re to avoid losing more ground on Liverpool.
Newcastle’s struggles in front of goal at the moment may play into the Gunners’ favour and we think a cagey affair will be settled by one moment of magic.
Arsenal to win, 1-0.
Arsenal team news
14:30 , Oli GentArsenal’s injury crisis has deepened with conformation that Noni Madueke set to miss a number of weeks with a knee injury sustained in the 1-1 draw with Man City.
The winger joins Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz on the sidelines, though Bukayo Saka is fine despite being on the receiving end of a heavy tackle in the Carabao Cup win over Port Vale.
Eberechi Eze is expected to start having contributed a goal and an assist on his last two appearances, while Arteta believes Martin Odegaard could be fit enough to start.
The Norwegian has only trained twice ahead of the match after recovering from a shoulder issue, but is progressing well in his recovery.
Arteta said of the midfielder: “Martin certainly has the capacity not to do too much and not to train too much and go in two days and perform at the highest level, because he’s naturally a super-gifted, fit player.”
Newcastle team news
14:20 , Oli GentNewcastle can welcome Anthony Gordon back after the England international served a three-game domestic suspension for his red card in the loss to Liverpool last month.
The forward will bolster the home side’s attacking options, especially with Deadline Day signing Yoane Wissa still sidelined with a knee injury sustained on international duty.
Howe has rotated heavily in the past two games but is expected to hand starts to the likes of Nick Pope, Sandro Tonali, Nick Woltemade and Valentino Liveramento, while Joe Willock is pushing to feature against his former club.
How to watch
14:10 , Oli GentTV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on Sky Sports. Coverage starts at 4pm BST, after the Aston Villa vs Fulham fixture, on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League ahead of the 4.30pm kick-off.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app.
Hello and welcome!
14:00 , Oli Gent... to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Arsenal’s trip to Newcastle United in the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta’s side have not won in the north-east since May 2023, and are out to return to winning ways in the league after their 1-1 draw with Manchester City last time out.
Stay tuned for all the updates, with kick off at 4.30pm BST!
