

Arsenal startled the home fans with a dramatic late comeback to overcome Newcastle United 2-1 at St. James' Park on Sunday, bringing them within two points of Premier League leaders Liverpool. Woltemade's header in the first half gave the Magpies what seemed to be a well-earned lead, and they seemed poised to defeat Arsenal at home for the fourth time in a row. Newcastle's defense appeared indestructible as defender Malick Thiaw made last-ditch tackles that were perfectly timed to frustrate the visitors, and goalkeeper Nick Pope made several vital saves.
Even though Arsenal faced the possibility of another disappointing outcome at St. James' Park, they refused to let their heads drop after striker Viktor Gyokeres' penalty award was controversially overturned by VAR. Mikel Merino, a former Newcastle midfielder who came on from the bench, headed home the equalizer to hush the home crowd. Later, Martin Odegaard, the captain of Arsenal, made an instant impression after being brought on as a late substitute.