Gabriel Magalhães headed home a dramatic 96th-minute winner to hand Arsenal a comeback victory over Newcastle United in a fiery Premier League clash at St James’ Park.
The Brazilian defender rose to meet Martin Ødegaard’s corner deep into stoppage time, sparking wild celebrations from Mikel Arteta and his staff on the touchline. The result cuts Liverpool’s lead at the top of the table to just two points, while Newcastle were left stunned after coming so close to a statement win.
Nick Woltemade had put the hosts in front midway through the second half, towering above Gabriel to nod in Sandro Tonali’s swinging cross past David Raya. Arsenal’s protests over a slight nudge on their defender were waved away, much to their frustration.
Newcastle’s lead was short-lived, though. Former Real Sociedad man Mikel Merino glanced home off the post to haul the Gunners level before Gabriel’s late intervention completed the turnaround.
The match was not without controversy. Arsenal were left fuming earlier when referee Jarred Gillett overturned a penalty he had awarded after Viktor Gyökeres collided with goalkeeper Nick Pope. Having initially pointed to the spot, Gillett reversed his decision after a VAR check, ruling Pope had made contact with the ball first.
Tempers flared throughout the contest, with both sets of players confronting the referee at various points. But Arsenal, who had threatened for long spells, refused to fold and were rewarded with Gabriel’s decisive header at the death.
