In a pulsating Premier League showdown at St James’ Park, Arsenal mounted a stunning late comeback to beat Newcastle United 2–1, snatching all three points with a header from Gabriel Magalhães deep in stoppage time. The victory underlined Arsenal’s resilience, handed Newcastle a cruel blow, and reshaped the title race as the autumn weeks unfold.
From the outset, Arsenal looked intent on imposing themselves. Crisp passing and probing runs saw them press high and win early corners. Eberechi Eze tested Newcastle keeper Nick Pope several times, and Leandro Trossard struck the post against a backdrop of mounting pressure. But for all of Arsenal’s dominance in possession and territory, they failed to convert, allowing the underdogs to strike first.
In the 34th minute, Newcastle took advantage of slack defending and a calamitous miscommunication. Seconds after Cristhian Mosquera played a weak back-pass, a corner was delivered, and Nick Woltemade rose unmarked to head Newcastle into a shock lead.
The goal stunned the Gunners and galvanized the home crowd. The rest of the opening half followed with Arsenal attempting to break lines, while Newcastle sat back and absorbed pressure, mindful of the danger posed by quick transitions.
WE. NEVER. GIVE. UP. pic.twitter.com/xiTvil7iNZ
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 28, 2025
Throughout the second half, Arsenal’s urgency became more pronounced. Their fullbacks pushed high, and the midfield sought to overload Newcastle’s defensive third. But chance after chance was squandered: crosses narrowly cleared, shots blocked, and the goalkeeper alert. Newcastle, for their part, remained compact, disciplined, and dangerous on the break, even generating a couple of scares of their own.
A turning moment arrived in the 84th minute. Martin Ødegaard swung in a precision corner that fizzed toward the far post. Declan Rice flicked it on, and Mikel Merino arrived in the box to power a header beyond Pope, restoring parity and igniting hope in the visiting section. The goal swung momentum firmly towards Arsenal.
Tension rippled through the closing minutes. Fans on both sides held their breath as waves of attacks crashed against Newcastle’s rearguard. The referee added a generous amount of added time—six minutes—into which Wenger’s old proverb might have hinted: “Football is played until the ball stops.”
In the 96th minute, Ødegaard delivered another corner with venom and accuracy. Gabriel, rising highest of all, directed a glancing header past Pope into the net. Pandemonium ensued among the Gunners’ supporters and bench alike. The comeback was complete.
After the full-time whistle, Arsenal’s staff and players embraced in disbelief and delight. Manager Mikel Arteta, who has long struggled to impose control at St James’ Park in past seasons, breathed visibly in relief. He acknowledged that his side had endured frustration but had ultimately demonstrated mental toughness.
For Newcastle, the sense of heartbreak was immediate. To lead for so long, then concede twice in the dying moments—even the first to stand as only a half-chance—felt cruel. Manager Eddie Howe faced the media with palpable disappointment.
He applauded his team’s discipline and the grit they showed defensively, especially under intense pressure late on. Yet he admitted that his side lacked the cutting edge to close out. He also questioned whether fatigue and the fine margins of concentration cost them dearly.
Arsenal, by contrast, take heart from the win’s timing and magnitude. To snatch victory so late, in a cauldron of noise and tension, sends a statement both to rivals and skeptics.
It elevates their title credentials and reminds observers of their capacity to fight in adversity. The result brings them within two points of Premier League leaders, London rivals Liverpool, further intensifying the chase.