Sunday’s last-gasp win at Newcastle United was one that will be remembered for years, as Gabriel popped up with the winner in the 96th minute to snatch all three points from an encounter we trailed for most of.

But how did we manage to turn a 1-0 defeat into a 2-1 victory, and was it merited? Adrian Clarke has gone through all the footage and stats to find the answers:

A DESERVED WIN

Newcastle United had kept four clean sheets in five Premier League matches, but our enterprising, positive style of play ripped them apart. Without some world-class heroics from Magpies keeper Nick Pope, we could have scored four or five times at St James’ Park – a ground where we registered just a single shot on target on each of our previous two league visits.

Creating four big chances from 20 shots, by far the most Eddie Howe’s side have faced this term, the hosts were indebted to their man between the sticks.

Newcastle’s season so far

 
Average
v Arsenal

xG against
0.51
2.04

Shots faced
7.4
20

Shots on target faced
2.6
7

Big chances faced
0.8
4

Eberechi Eze’s inclusion as our central attacking midfielder hinted that we would play on the front foot, and our summer signing was a goal threat throughout. These two fiercely hit first-half strikes from Eze were brilliantly pushed away by Pope.

As we chased the game at 1-0 down, Mikel Arteta threw even more caution to the wind, introducing Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino to his attacking mix, and Odegaard was outstanding in a twin No.10 role shared with Eze late on.

As you can see on these passing chalkboards, with Eze on the left and Odegaard on the right, both men probed centrally inside the final third during the second half:

The captain, back from his shoulder injury, pierced the home defence with some quality distribution. This eye-of-the-needle pass for Myles Lewis-Skelly showcased his vision and class, which made a great difference as we chased three points.

A SERIOUS HANDFUL

Winning us a penalty with a great piece of anticipation, a decision which was very surprisingly reversed, Viktor Gyokeres was in magnificent form during the first period. Holding the ball up excellently, linking neatly with Bukayo Saka in particular, the Swede provided a great platform at the top end of the pitch.

He may not have scored, but Gyokeres’ threat was constant, thanks to his sharp game intelligence and incessant work rate.

Gyokeres v Newcastle

 
 
Team Rank

Top speed 
35km/hr
1st

Intensive runs
317
1st

Sprints
19
1st

Touches in opp box
12
1st

Shots 
6
1st

The ball may not have fallen kindly for him in terms of getting clear-cut opportunities, but Gyokeres never allowed his markers an easy ride. This was a highly promising performance.

THE RIGHT WAY

If there is a better right-back in the Premier League than Jurrien Timber right now, I am yet to see who they are. The Dutchman, always so consistent, delivered a fabulous individual performance at St James’ Park. Keeping Anthony Gordon in check, Timber’s determination shone brightly as he regularly drove us forward.

His chalkboard features all his passes, shots, dribbles and defensive actions. Overall, the tenacious Dutch full-back made six dribbles, won eight duels, created three chances, and completed 18 passes inside the final third:

He was exceptionally unfortunate not to score with this deft header too, flicking Martin Zubimendi’s finessed chip towards the bottom corner. Embracing the chaos, he popped up inside the danger zone and Pope had to dive full stretch to his right to keep it out.

In short, Timber owned the right flank, ably supporting Bukayo Saka, who also played well down that side. Our gifted No. 7 was positive throughout, running at Dan Burn almost every time the ball was at his feet. Some of the link play between Saka, Gyokeres and Timber was fantastic to watch.

RICE’S IMMENSE AUTHORITY

To win at Newcastle United, a side noted for their midfield power and aggression, we needed a strong display from Declan Rice and that is exactly what we got. Playing as a double pivot alongside Zubimendi, the England international was a persistent driving force.

He won seven of nine duels but it was the way he took the game by the scruff of the neck that impressed most. He made 25 more passes than anyone else, and his 35 passes into the final third were almost double that of Timber who ranked second.

Late on in the match we also saw Rice cut loose in terms of his positioning. During the first half he largely stuck to the left of the midfield duo, but from half-time onwards he got involved all over the pitch…

SET-PIECEs REAP REWARDS

Since joining Arsenal ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, Rice has assisted more goals from set plays (10) than any other player in the Premier League, and his inswinging ball for Merino’s equaliser was an absolute peach. 

From a well-worked short corner we sent a group of players towards the far post (circled), leaving Merino to isolate Sven Botman in a sizeable central pocket 1v1. The pace of Rice’s cross allowed Merino to just guide the ball, and he did that expertly to score from an early jump that caught his marker cold.

Our winner from Gabriel came via an old favourite from Nicolas Jover’s corner routine playbook. Using William Saliba to stand in front of the keeper, while deliberately crowding the near post space with bodies, we made it impossible for Pope to come out and catch or punch Odegaard’s teasing ball.

All it needed was a touch from a red and white shirt in front of him, and thank goodness Gabriel obliged.

Since 2020/21 the Brazilian has scored 18 non-penalty set-piece goals, four more than James Ward-Prowse in second place. There is simply nobody better at getting on the end of corners than our superb central defender.

We may have left it late, but this was a statement victory, which was fully deserved. Playing with passion and a winner’s mentality, it was a success that should fill the squad with growing belief. 

Read more Watch a full match replay of our Newcastle win

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