Nick Woltemade gave the Magpies a surprise lead in the 34th minute against the run of play at St. James’ Park. However, former Newcastle midfielder Mikel Merino came off the bench to equalise in the 85th minute, before Gabriel sealed the comeback with a dramatic winner deep into stoppage time.

The Gunners dominated large spells of the match and carved out early chances, starting with a Declan Rice free-kick inside two minutes that found Viktor Gyokeres, though his header lacked the power to trouble Nick Pope. Moments later, Pope was forced into a full stretch save to deny an Eberechi Eze volley as Arsenal signalled their attacking intent.

Pope remained busy, making a sharp save at his near post to keep out Bukayo Saka after the Arsenal captain danced past Dan Burn into the area.

Newcastle’s first real attempt came in the 10th minute—a weak header from Malick Thiaw during a brief period of home pressure and successive corners. But Arsenal quickly regained control and thought they had won a penalty when Pope appeared to bring down Gyokeres inside the box after a clever through-ball from Eze. Referee Jarred Gillett initially pointed to the spot, only for VAR to overturn the decision.

That moment seemed to galvanise Arsenal further. Riccardo Calafiori went close with a header from another well-placed Rice set-piece, and Leandro Trossard struck the upright following a swift counter-attack.

Pope had to be alert again on 29 minutes, getting both hands to a fierce Eze strike through a crowd of bodies. Minutes later, he stood tall to deny a powerful drive from Saka.

Despite Arsenal's dominance, it was Newcastle who broke the deadlock. Woltemade met Sandro Tonali’s inswinging delivery and guided his header in from close range to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

Arsenal responded well but couldn’t find a way through before the break, despite seven minutes of added time. Mikel Arteta introduced William Saliba for Cristhian Mosquera at the start of the second half, but Newcastle came out stronger. Woltemade almost doubled the lead, rattling the crossbar from a Jacob Murphy cross.

Arsenal pushed for an equaliser with Eze volleying over and Raya relieved to see a powerful Joelinton shot whistle just wide. Pope continued to impress, producing another fine save to deny Jurrien Timber’s header after a clever lofted pass from Martin Zubimendi.

Newcastle sat deeper as the half wore on but still created chances. Murphy broke from midfield and raced through one-on-one but lost momentum and fired a deflected shot straight at Raya.

Eddie Howe made a triple substitution, introducing Kieran Trippier, Anthony Elanga and William Osula. Arteta responded by bringing on Gabriel Martinelli and Merino for Saka and Calafiori.

Newcastle were dealt a blow when Tino Livramento was forced off injured in the 76th minute and replaced by Jamaal Lascelles. Despite Arsenal's pressure, the home side looked to be managing the game well as the clock ticked down.

Arteta continued to tinker, with Martin Odegaard replacing Zubimendi in the 82nd minute, and it paid off. Just three minutes later, Merino ghosted into the box and got the faintest of touches on a Rice delivery to steer the ball past Pope and level the match.

Newcastle appealed for a late penalty after Gabriel was struck on the arm inside the box, but following a lengthy VAR review, no handball was given.

With the final whistle approaching, Arsenal won a set-piece in the sixth minute of added time. Odegaard whipped in a dangerous delivery, and Gabriel rose highest to head past Pope and snatch all three points in dramatic fashion.

The victory lifts Arsenal to second place in the table with 13 points from six games—just two behind leaders Liverpool. Newcastle, meanwhile, slip to 15th with six points.

Arsenal strike late to stun Newcastle in 2-1 comeback victory