Arsenal pulled off a dramatic escape at St. James’ Park on Sunday night, snatching a 2-1 win over Newcastle United and breathing fresh life into their Premier League title chase.
The hero of the night? Gabriel. After a shaky start that saw him at fault for Newcastle’s opener, the Brazilian defender rose highest in the 96th minute to power in a header, sealing victory and sending the away end into absolute chaos.
It had all looked bleak earlier on. Newcastle’s Nick Woltemade gave the hosts the lead in the first half, capitalising when Gabriel lost his footing while appealing for a foul. Moments later, the defender risked a red card after catching Woltemade in the face with a clumsy shove — a lucky escape that only deepened the pressure on him.
Arsenal thought they’d found a lifeline midway through the half when Viktor Gyokeres went down under the challenge of goalkeeper Nick Pope. The referee pointed to the spot, but VAR stepped in, ruling that Pope had just brushed the ball before the collision. The decision sparked fury but also seemed to sharpen Arsenal’s resolve.
With the clock running down, substitute Mikel Merino rose to meet a cross and headed home the equaliser. Suddenly, Newcastle were camped in their own half, fighting to hold on.
Then came Gabriel’s redemption arc. Deep into stoppage time, he climbed above everyone to nod the ball into the net, a moment of pure relief and release. Arteta and his staff exploded on the sidelines, knowing just how vital the result was after Liverpool’s shock defeat to Crystal Palace the day before.
The victory not only cut the gap at the top to two points but also ended Arsenal’s run of three straight defeats at St. James’ Park — a stadium that had become something of a nightmare ground in recent years.
