Arsenal came from behind with a late header by Gabriel to dramatically beat Newcastle United 2-1 in the Premier League (PL), securing a vital three points while also avoiding defeat for the first time in four visits to St James’ Park.
No combination of goalkeepers had kept more PL clean sheets this season than Nick Pope and David Raya, and the former showed why when he got down brilliantly to deny Eberechi Eze just five minutes into proceedings.
In what was emerging as an end-to-end affair, Raya was given a more routine save to make by Malick Thiaw’s header, before Pope got enough on the ball to avoid conceding a penalty for his challenge on Viktor Gyökeres, after the striker had intercepted Jacob Murphy’s lax pass.
There was another story of fine margins leaving Arsenal frustrated soon after, as a swift move forward culminated in Leandro Trossard’s strike beating Pope but smashing the post.
Eze also continued to search out openings from the edge of Newcastle’s box, but saw one effort blocked by Sven Botman and another denied by a commanding Pope save. Having overcome that pressure,
Newcastle took the lead in the 35th minute with Sandro Tonali playing a short corner and delivering a cross, which Nick Woltemade headed home when he rose above the falling Gabriel Magalhães.
