‘These things always go against us’ – Bukayo Saka
Now let’s chat all things penalty. Saka says: “The penalty, you know, for me, like if we have VAR for clear and obvious errors, and the fact that it took the ref that long to decide.
“So it’s not a clear and obvious error, but it’s things like this, these little things that always go against us. But I think today, we got what we deserved for sure.”
(Getty Images)
Flo Clifford28 September 2025 19:15
‘Winning shows the character of the team’ – Mikel Merino
Asked whether this result will mean more after slipping up elsewhere, Merino adds: “Maybe for the fans or you guys, not for us, we know how well we’ve been putting on the kind of performances we’ve been creating as well.
“Winning the way we won today shows the character of the team how much we trust each other, how confident we are. That doesn’t change no matter the result. We are confident we have an amazing team, an amazing squad, amazing staff and amazing fans, so we are ready for it.”
Flo Clifford28 September 2025 19:08
Mikel Merino adds: “As Buyako says it’s unbelievable to win these kinds of games. Late winners are the best. But obviously from my perspective it’s even greater coming back here is always big for me, big memories, amazing place in my life but also being able to score and help the team is incredible. Couldn’t be better to win in the last minute and congrats to all the boys.
“Always coming here is great to see old faces, old friends. I’ve had amazing memories here. I’ve only been here one year but still it’s a big part of my life and my career. To come here to score a winner, a header again in the same goal that I scored for Newcastle, is magical.”
(Merino played for Newcastle from 2017-18.)
Flo Clifford28 September 2025 19:01
Bukayo Saka tells Sky Sports: “It’s unbelievable. Late winners – there’s nothing better in football. So speechless. I’m so happy. When you’re on the bench and you can’t control and affect the game, but when you have guys like this guy [Mikel Merino] – he’s a big threat.”
(Getty Images)
Flo Clifford28 September 2025 18:54
FULL-TIME! Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
Stunning turnaround by Arsenal and yet more crucial late goals for them, after Martinelli’s equaliser against Manchester City. Suddenly this looks like a statement result for them and a horrible action replay for Newcastle, beaten very late on by Liverpool by a goal in the same penalty box.
Richard Jolly28 September 2025 18:35
FULL-TIME! Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
90+9 mins: Newcastle attack, it gets thumped behind the goal but there’s a call for handball… cleared.
And that’s it! Roars from Arsenal. They certainly left it late.
Flo Clifford28 September 2025 18:33
90+6 mins: It’s another set-piece, Odegaard whips in the cross and Gabriel rises highest to knock it in!
Flo Clifford28 September 2025 18:31
Arsenal have nicked this at the death.
Flo Clifford28 September 2025 18:29
90+5 mins: Odegaard sends a fine ball down the left flank to Lewis-Skelly but Thiaw makes the crucial sliding block!
Arsenal corner… Pope punches it away, it comes back to Odegaard, cleared again, Merino tries once more and Pope sends it out. Breathless stuff. Lascelles eventually nods it behind for a corner.
Flo Clifford28 September 2025 18:29
90+4 mins: Rice whips in a cross but Pope leaps to catch – and Newcastle counter!
Lewis-Skelly is judged to have fouled Elanga.
Joelinton is replaced by Barnes. Minutes to go.
Flo Clifford28 September 2025 18:27