Arsenal secured a thrilling 2–1 win at St James’ Park today, rallying from behind to claim victory deep into stoppage time.
Newcastle had taken the lead through Nick Woltemade on 34 minutes, capitalizing on a defensive error, before Mikel Merino equalised in the 84th minute with a header from a well-worked short corner. In the sixth minute of added time, Gabriel Magalhães rose highest to nod in the winner from a Martin Ødegaard corner, sealing the comeback.
The match was not without controversy. Earlier in the first half, Arsenal were awarded a penalty after Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope appeared to bring down Viktor Gyokeres inside the box. However, following a lengthy VAR review, referee Jarred Gillett overturned the decision, ruling that Pope had made contact with the ball first. The decision sparked debate on and off the pitch.
Arsenal captain Bukayo Saka did not hide his disappointment with the call. Speaking after the game, he said: “I’m speechless … For me, if we have VAR it is for clear and obvious error. The fact it took the ref that long to decide it shows it’s not a clear error.”
“These little things always go against us,” Saka added. “But today we got what we deserved.”
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