The match overview of Premier League and a tale of two halves. In an amazing late change of fortunes, Arsenal broke their St James’ Park hoodoo with two goals in the dying moments to beat Newcastle United 2-1. A statement win that moved them to within two points of Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Initial Stages and Pressure
The game followed a tense pattern. Arsenal were enjoying the majority of possession and had the better chances. But, they were only finding the Houses’ defence and goalkeeper Nick Pope in impregnable form. The first real flashpoint of the game occurred when referee Jarred Gillett awarded Arsenal a penalty in the 14th minute after Pope fouled Viktor Gyokeres. However, the decision overturned following a VAR review which showed that the goalkeeper had touched the ball.
Nerves of Steel and the Lead
Newcastle scored against the run of play in the 34th minute. A short corner kick routine between Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali resulted in a cross that found a towering Nick Woltemade to head home a tale of his second goal in home league games. However, in the second half, Arsenal continued to push forward, with Pope making an excellent save to deny Jurriën Timber’s header, resulting in no goal.
Arteta’s Decisive Moves
With time running out, Mikel Arteta‘s substitutions proved decisive. He brought on Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard in the second half, a move that showed “winning intent”. The changes paid off handsomely. However, in the 84th minute, Merino—a former Newcastle player—glanced a header from a Declan Rice cross to equalize. Then, in the sixth minute of stoppage time, Odegaard delivered a corner onto the head of Gabriel, who powered the ball past Pope to complete the dramatic comeback.
Author’s Opinion
For Newcastle coach Eddie Howe, the loss was “excruciating.” Adding to the defeat, Newcastle possibly lost defender Tino Livramento to a serious knee injury. Moreover, he was stretchered off in the second half. The win for Arsenal ended a streak of three consecutive losses against Newcastle at St James’ Park but proves their character and encourages title contenders and aspirations when having to win games in adversity.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
