Arsenal score two late goals to come from behind and beat Newcastle
Merino and Gabriel net in 84th and 96th minutes as Gunners up to second
Woltemade had given Newcastle first-half lead
Mikel Arteta's side awarded first-half penalty for Pope foul on Gykores - decision overturned by VAR
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Thanks for joining us today as Arsenal beat Newcastle 2-1 with a late comeback win.
Click the report tab of this page to read about everything that happened.
Highlights will be available on the BBC Sport website at 20:00 BST. Match of the Day is on BBC One at 22:30.
Everton play Nuno Espirito Santo's West Ham tomorrow to round off the Premier League weekend.
FT: Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
Jamie Redknapp
Former Liverpool midfielder on Sky Sports
Eddie Howe has called it as we have said it. It was tough.
I felt it was too easy in that first 30 minutes for Arsenal to play through them, which it's normally difficult against them.
It felt like Newcastle were half a yard off.
FT: Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
Image source, Getty ImagesNewcastle goalscorer Nick Woltemade, speaking to Sky Sports: "If you get two real late goals, it don't feel good if you're 90 minutes 1-0 in front. Yeah, just doesn't feel good.
"I think in the second half we didn't get the pressure away from our goal. We were just defending. Sometimes we have to take more situations where we can breathe, where we also play with the ball and get some situations where we can get out of pressure and get the ball in the Arsenal side and we have to learn about it because if you defend for 45 or 52 minutes in the second half and don't get any chances and then they get two goals by corners, so don't feel good."
On his goal: "We trained this yesterday and I knew the ball would come there close to second post and I had a good position for this header because I was staying one arm away from Gabriel, so I can jump high and then head the ball really good."
On the situation with Gabriel after his goal: "After the goal there was a situation I felt his elbow in my face in two metres, so his arm has to be really high. I don't know I just said it to the referee that I felt something in the face and I think it's not right to feel something in the face but I'm not the type of player to fall down for this. It's hard because sometimes maybe you have to do this but this is not my type of football.
"He said sorry after, so I think he knew he hit me in my face. I didn't solve the situation to be honest."
On why he didn't accept the apology: "I don't like this, if you do some things in game and then a few seconds you say sorry, that's not part of the game. I like this situation where you can have a good battle but his elbow should not be in my face."
Comment on this page, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
Mikel Merino is a strange one for Arsenal fans. One week you love him when he scores important goals, and the next week you’re wondering why he’s starting and we lack creativity. We need to value him more as a quality utility man and appreciate him for what he brings. All the great league-winning teams have always had one quality utility man. Just don’t start him every week, Mikel Arteta!
Michael
Image source, Getty ImagesFT: Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
Jamie Redknapp
Former Liverpool midfielder on Sky Sports
I think right now we're all guessing what can happen. There are going to be lots of twists and turns.
What it shows today is Arsenal are right in the mix and anybody doubting them is completely wrong.
FT: Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
Les Ferdinand
Former Newcastle striker on Sky Sports
I don't see a weaknesses in this Arsenal team and what they're bringing off the bench is going to be a threat to any team.
FT: Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
Image source, Getty ImagesArsenal manager Mikel Arteta speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "To win in the manner that we have done it, wow what a feeling! Football is about emotion and going through things and today we had a beautiful one at the end of the match."
On scoring from the 11th and 12th corners: "We generated so much from open play in various many ways. [Nick] Pope was incredible today, he denies us goals. Praise Newcastle for the team that they are, the way that they compete, how difficult they make it for you."
On Martin Odegaard: "The players that came on, the impact players they made such a difference. Martin and [Gabriel] Martinelli with the intensity. Mikel [Merino] is a massive goal threat coming from midfield and he wins you the game."
On the penalty decision that went against Arsenal: "The rules are very clear. It is a penalty but thank God we found another way and we kept fighting and we found a way to win the game"
FT: Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
Since joining Arsenal ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, Declan Rice has assisted more goals from set plays (10) than any other player in the Premier League.
FT: Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "It is difficult after this game, in the last five minutes to lose. But we are professionals and we have to change as quick as possible. We played a good game, especially in the first half. We were concentrated all the time. I think it was a good battle in the midfield but we need to have the maximum concentration in all the 90 minutes. I want to take positives into the next match.
"It was similar (to the Liverpool match) but I think we want to win the game until the last minute. I think sometimes we need to put some experience and maybe today a draw was the perfect result. It is easy to speak and I think we played a good game."
Image source, Getty ImagesComment on this page, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
Any criticism from a Newcastle fan about Newcastle's football is really odd. We have had an amazing run and have battled well against Arsenal.
Kevin, Manchester
Image source, Getty ImagesFT: Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe speaking to Sky Sports: "I thought we tried. 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.
On what went wrong: "Early on in the game we didn't look our best physically. 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.
On being in a rebuild phase: "To a degree, there is a player change for us but we can't us that as an excuse. We have to win with the players we have. It was great to have Nick [Woltemade] score and we did have other chances in the game. We have to take accountability for that and do better. Nick and Yoane [Wissa] are totally different players and we are never going to find another Alex [Isak] but we can find a way to be effective with them in the team. Great to see Nick get two goals so early in his Newcastle career."
On the penalty claim for handball: "I haven't seen it again so that's why I haven't mentioned it. I don't know if VAR didn't give the handball, I had a feeling it was initially but it wasn't given so you have to accept it. You have to look at yourselves first otherwise you will not grow and develop."
On Tino Livramento being taken off on a stretcher: "I don't know, I haven't spoken to him or anyone from the medical side yet."
FT: Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
Les Ferdinand
Former Newcastle striker on Sky Sports
If you were Newcastle in the changing rooms and you got a draw or won the game you would have probably felt like a bandit really. Defended very well, but they were under the cosh for most of the game.
FT: Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
Arsenal scored as many goals between the 84th minute and full time today as they had netted in their previous four Premier League games away to Newcastle combined.
Image source, Getty ImagesFT: Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
Arsenal goalscorer Mikel Merino, speaking to BBC MOTD on scoring at his old club: "I just said a long time ago but still big memories. Every time I come back here it's a great day for me. Also, all friends here, very happy to come and experience St. James' Park again now as an away footballer. A day full of emotions for me and to come back and score the equaliser is magical."
On his goal: "It was pretty similar to one I score her for Newcastle, in the same goal as well. Really happy, that's something I put a lot of work in, headers to try and train every single day in the game, if you have a chance to have a header to have it as well as you do in training.
"Every single Premier League game's is an opportunity for us, not only to win points, not only to make a statement, but also to show everybody what this club is about, to show the character and the mentality we have. There's no better place than here, no better way then the way we have done it coming back from a really difficult situation. I'm really proud of everyone in there, not only the players, the staff and the fans who came here to support us. Just buzzing and ready to keep going."
On Gabriel's late goal: "That shows a lot and not only set-pieces strategy but also mentality. Other teams if they get six/seven corners and they don't score, they start to lose belief in the qualities but for us it's a matter of keep doing what we do, doing it at the highest level and in the end the last one, last second, we scored and I'm really happy."
Comment on this page, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
As a neutral, fair play to Arsenal. Quite a few people seem to enjoy criticising them, but considering their opponents in their opening six games of the season, they have navigated it very admirably. And they’re certainly not firing on all cylinders yet.
Bluenose Lee, Merseyside
Important to remember the tough start Arsenal have had in these first six games. They’ve had to battle against quality teams whilst adapting to a huge squad overhaul. To have come out it at with 13 points sets the standard and creates great momentum to push on.
Gaz
FT: Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
Timed at 95:45, Arsenal scored their second-latest winning goal in a Premier League away game on record (since 2003-04), only behind Declan Rice’s winner at Luton in December 2023 (96:23).
Image source, Getty ImagesFT: Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "Two really late goals here at home hurts. We have to reflect and acknowledge that we weren't at our best. There was not lack of effort but from a footballing side, it wasn't quite there.
"That was probably the key thing, the number of corners. I think Odegaard made a difference to their overall performance. The weight of pressure eventually told. No lack of effort but the little details have cost us."
On the penalty calls: "You are always in the hands of VAR and I have to trust both decisions - one for us and one against us."
On the turnaround to Thursday's Champions League game: "The game is a good thing. We have to look after today's painful defeat that we have another game soon after. We want to get confidence."
On Tino Livramento's injury: "It doesn't sound great. The fact he came off on a stretcher is not looking good."
FT: Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
Jamie Redknapp
Former Liverpool midfielder on Sky Sports
Newcastle are creators of their own downfall. You have got to 1-1 - you know the point is in your hands...
Image source, Getty ImagesFT: Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
Mikel Merino is Arsenal’s top scorer across both all competitions (9) and Premier League only (7) in 2025.
Four of his nine goals this year have been scored with his head, with no Premier League player netting more headers in this period.
FT: Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
Les Ferdinand
Former Newcastle striker on Sky Sports
For me, sometimes you criticise defenders, but the forward [Mikel Merino] gets into a great position and it is a great flick. He is front and gets up early in front of the defender. Once he flicks it, he knows where the goal is.
Image source, Getty ImagesLate Gabriel winner snatches victory for Arsenal against Newcastle
At a glance
Gabriel scores 96th-minute winner for Arsenal
Mikel Merino's header cancels out Nick Woltemade opener
Newcastle defender Tino Livramento carried off on stretcher
Gabriel scored a 96th-minute winner as Arsenal came from behind to beat Newcastle United in the Premier League at St James' Park.
The defender got his head on the end of Martin Odegaard's corner to send manager Mikel Arteta and his staff wild on the touchline.
Mikel Merino's late glancing header off the post cancelled out Nick Woltemade's Newcastle opener in a tempestuous game.
The Gunners took all three points to close the gap on league leaders Liverpool to two points and leave Newcastle floored.
Newcastle were on course for victory after the towering Woltemade easily rose above Gabriel to connect with Sandro Tonali's inswinging cross and power a header past Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
Gabriel theatrically went down inside his own box after feeling contact - leading to Arsenal players surrounding referee Jarred Gillett - but the goal stood.
The irked visitors were also far from happy after having a penalty award overturned following an intervention from the video assistant referee (VAR) when an incident-filled game was still goalless.
Striker Viktor Gyokeres appeared to be taken down by Newcastle keeper Nick Pope on the quarter-hour mark.
Gillett pointed to the spot but changed his mind after consulting his pitchside monitor.
In an announcement to the stadium, Gillett ruled that Pope "played the ball and there was no foul".
Woltemade went on to put Newcastle in front, but Arsenal showed their powers of recovery to turn the game on its head.
How Arsenal kept their 'focus' to seal late win at Newcastle
Away days do not come much tougher.
Arsenal had lost their previous three fixtures at a raucous St James' Park in all competitions and looked to be heading for a fourth.
They found Pope in inspired form as he twice kept out volleys from Eberechi Eze, got down to low to claw away a header from Jurrien Timber and palmed a cross-shot from Bukayo Saka behind.
On the one occasion Pope looked beaten, in the first half, Leandro Trossard saw an effort crash off the bar.
But the last couple of weeks have taught us that Arsenal never know when they are beaten.
Late goals from substitutes Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli secured a Champions League win at Athletic Club and a dramatic equaliser from the latter earned a draw against Manchester City last week.
This time it was the turn of another substitute, Merino, to transform the game as he came back to haunt his former side.
But Arsenal were not content with just a point - they went for all three.
They got their reward from a familiar source - a set-piece - as Gabriel headed home at the near post to spark huge celebrations in the away end.
'Wow, what a feeling!' - Arteta beams after late Newcastle win
It was a case of deju vu for Newcastle.
Liverpool snatched a dramatic late victory at St James' Park with a stoppage-time goal last month, and Arsenal followed suit on Sunday.
Leading in the 83rd minute, Newcastle will rue how they did not at least come away with a point after conceding two late goals, particularly after finding a way to take the lead from a set-piece of their own.
Newcastle had been struggling to fire from set-plays in the opening weeks of the season despite the obvious height in the side.
But in a clever short routine Tonali played a one-two with Anthony Gordon before swinging over a cross.
The towering Woltemade barely had to jump to score his second goal in three league games since completing his club record £69m move from Stuttgart last month.
With his side in front, the German was given a standing ovation when he was replaced by William Osula midway through the second half.
But Newcastle looked affected by defender Tino Livramento coming off on a stretcher after landing awkwardly.
Newcastle had not conceded a goal from a set-play in the opening weeks of the campaign, but were ultimately undone by two corners.
The pain is intense - Howe on late defeat
Newcastle travel to Brussels to take on Union Saint-Gilloise in the Champions League on Wednesday before welcoming Nottingham Forest to St James' Park in the Premier League on 5 October.
Arsenal host Olympiakos in the Champions League on Wednesday and face West Ham at home in the Premier League on Saturday.
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users.
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 7 | 5 | 15 |
| |
| 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 3 | 9 | 13 |
| |
| 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 12 |
| |
| 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 11 | 4 | 7 | 11 |
| |
| 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 11 |
| |
| 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 7 | 1 | 11 |
| |
| 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 14 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| |
| 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 11 | 8 | 3 | 8 |
| |
| 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 8 |
| |
| 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 8 | -1 | 8 |
| |
| 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 9 | -3 | 8 |
| |
| 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 7 |
| |
| 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 9 | 11 | -2 | 7 |
| |
| 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 11 | -4 | 7 |
| |
| 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 5 | -1 | 6 |
| |
| 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 6 | -2 | 6 |
| |
| 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 10 | -5 | 5 |
| |
| 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 13 | -7 | 4 |
| |
| 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 5 | 13 | -8 | 3 |
| |
| 6 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 13 | -9 | 1 |
|
Manager: Eddie Howe
Formation: 4 - 3 - 3
Manager: Mikel Arteta
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager: Eddie Howe
Formation: 4 - 3 - 3
Manager: Mikel Arteta
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Premier League
All competitions
All competitions
All competitions
Newcastle United have won each of their last three home games against Arsenal in all competitions without conceding a single goal, while they last won four in a row at home to the Gunners in August 1969.
Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have only lost more away games at Manchester City in all competitions (5) than they have away to Newcastle United (4).
Newcastle have kept four clean sheets in their five Premier League games this season, conceding only in their 3-2 defeat to Liverpool. However, the Magpies have also failed to score in three of their five league games so far.
Newcastle have won just one of their last seven Premier League games (D3 L3), a run that started with a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal. They’ve failed to score in five of these seven games, as many times as they had in their previous 41 league games.
Arsenal have lost just one of their last 16 Premier League away games (W8 D7), though this did come last time out at Liverpool. Only twice since May 2022 have the Gunners lost consecutive league games on the road, with the second defeat both times coming at Newcastle (May 2022 and November 2024).
Newcastle have faced fewer shots (37) and have a lower xG against (2.6) than any other side in the Premier League this season. However, at the other end only Aston Villa (1.9%) have a lower shot conversion rate than the Magpies (5.6%).Â
Only David Brooks (11) has had more shots without scoring than Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon (10) in the Premier League this season, with Gordon also one of five players to record over 1.0 xG without netting (1.1).
No player has applied more pressures in either the final third (202) or in the opposition penalty area (85) so far this season than Arsenal’s Viktor Gyökeres.
Harvey Barnes’ next goal will be his 50th in the Premier League (35 for Leicester, 14 for Newcastle). However, Barnes has faced Arsenal more often without scoring than any other opponent in the top-flight (12).
With 54 goals and 45 assists, Bukayo Saka is one goal involvement away from becoming the eighth player to reach 100 for Arsenal in the Premier League. Aged 24 years and 23 days on the day of this game, he would be the second youngest to reach this milestone for the Gunners after Cesc FÃ bregas in 2010 (23y 237d).
