Arsenal stole a massive comeback victory deep in stoppage time at St James’ Park as Gabriel rose highest to head home a 96th minute winner and close the gap on leaders Liverpool, in a massive statement early on in this season’s title race. The home side had led through a Nick Woltemade header with Gabriel at fault for the goal but the Gunners fought back, substitute Mikel Merino guiding home a fantastic header before Gabriel powered home the winner.

Arsenal came into the game buoyed by Liverpool’s defeat at Crystal Palace yesterday and began at a sprint, the home side did well to deny an early Gunners onslaught. Eberechi Eze forced the best from Nick Pope with two great saves in the first half, one particular save down low a major early moment after just six minutes.

Pope almost went from hero to villain soon after, though, as Viktor Gyokeres went through on goal and appeared to be taken out by the goalkeeper with the goal gaping. Referee Jarred Gillett pointed to the spot. But a VAR check would prevent Arsenal from scoring from the spot, as a review revealed Pope got the smallest of touches on the ball before taking down Gyokeres. No penalty.

Bukayo Saka caused the home side problems down the right and Leandro Trossard struck the post, before the game changed in the 34th minute as Newcastle took the lead against the run of play. Both of Arsenal’s starting centre-backs would ultimately play a role in their downfall. First, Cristhian Mosquera sliced the ball out for a corner when a pass-back appeared simple. Then Gabriel went down at the slightest nudge from Woltemade, allowing the 6ft 6in striker a free run to head the ball into the corner of the net. Gabriel counted on a soft free-kick decision which would not come, and the Gunners were behind.

The Gunners searched for an equaliser in the second half but Pope was in inspired form once again when he kept out Jurrien Timber. Similarly to last weekend against Manchester City, though, Arsenal would simply not accept defeat. Merino headed home an inch-perfect Declan Rice delivery before Gabriel went from villain to hero with the final say deep in stoppage time, at the end of an enthralling encounter.

GOAL rates Arsenal’s players from St James’ Park…