When Arsenal clinched a last‑minute 2‑1 win at St. James' Park on 28 September 2025, the Premier League table shifted in their favour.
Match overview – a six‑minute drama
The clash was part of Matchweek 6St. James' Park, where Newcastle United opened the scoring in the 23rd minute through a well‑timed run and a low finish from striker Allan Saint-Maximin. The Geordie nation roared, their chants echoing across the stands as the home side went 1‑0 up.
Arsenal, however, pressed forward. A corner from Declan Rice swung in, and Mikel Merino rose above the defense to meet the ball with a thunderous header that rattled the cross‑bar and levelled the game in the 57th minute. It was a near‑mirror of the opening goal – same side of the pitch, same decisive delivery – drawing a gasp from the crowd.
The dead‑lock held until the 88th minute when centre‑back Gabriel Magalhães surged forward on a counter‑attack, latching onto a loose ball and slotting it past goalkeeper Nick Pope to seal a 2‑1 victory. The final whistle sparked a wave of celebration among the Arsenal travelling fans, while the Geordies were left stunned.
Key moments and player contributions
- Allan Saint‑Maximin’s 23rd‑minute strike gave Newcastle the early lead.
- Mikel Merino’s 57th‑minute header, fed by a Declan Rice corner, forced the equaliser.
- Gabriel Magalhães’s 88th‑minute finish proved the decisive factor.
- Arsenal’s midfield logged 62% possession in the second half, up from 48% in the first.
- Newcastle’s shots on target dropped from 7 in the first half to 2 after the break.
Statistically, Arsenal out‑performed Newcastle in key areas: they completed 542 passes versus 389, and their pressing intensity rose to 18 presses per minute in the final 15 minutes – a figure that matched the season’s highest recorded pressure rate.
Manager reactions – Arteta’s confidence boost
After the final whistle, Mikel Arteta gathered his squad on the touchline. "We showed we can go to the next level," he said, a smile breaking through his normally measured tone. "The way we responded after going behind tells me we belong in this title race. Credit to the lads – they kept belief, kept pushing, and the result speaks for itself."
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was less forgiving. "We let a simple goal in at the end. We had the chance to finish the game, but Arsenal’s quality turned it around. We’ll analyse what went wrong and bounce back," he admitted.
Implications for the Premier League title race
Before the match, Arsenal sat third with 13 points, three behind leaders Manchester City and two behind second‑placed Liverpool. Liverpool’s surprising 2‑1 loss to Crystal Palace the previous night meant the Gunners trimmed the gap to just two points on the top, reigniting a three‑way battle for the championship.
Arsenal’s win also marked their first triumph at St. James' Park since the 2016‑17 season, breaking a run of four defeats in five visits. The psychological edge could prove pivotal in future north‑east away fixtures, where they have historically struggled.
Historical context – Arsenal at St. James' Park
Since joining the Premier League in 1996, Arsenal have visited St. James' Park 27 times, winning 8, drawing 5 and losing 14. Notable past encounters include the 2020 3‑2 comeback against Newcastle, which sparked a late‑season surge that carried them to a top‑four finish. The 2025 victory therefore mirrors a pattern: Arsenal often find a way to turn the tide in hostile territory.
Looking ahead – what’s next for both clubs?
Arsenal travel to Old Trafford for a decisive clash against Manchester United on 5 October, a game that could push them into the top two if they secure another win. Meanwhile, Newcastle will host Brighton & Hove Albion on 12 October, hoping to bounce back and keep pace with the mid‑table scramble.
Both managers emphasised the need for consistency. Arteta highlighted the importance of defensive solidity, while Howe warned that lapses in concentration – like the one leading to Magalhães’s goal – could cost them dearly in the weeks ahead.
Key facts
- Final score: Arsenal 2 – 1 Newcastle United
- Goal scorers: Allan Saint‑Maximin (23'), Mikel Merino (57'), Gabriel Magalhães (88')
- Match referee: Jared Gilllet (Australia)
- Attendance: 52,734 spectators
- Arsenal’s points after Matchweek 6: 13 (4 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect Arsenal’s title chances?
The win lifts Arsenal to third place with 13 points, just two points behind leaders Manchester City and one behind Liverpool, reigniting a three‑way fight for the Premier League crown.
Who scored the decisive goal and how?
Centre‑back Gabriel Magalhães netted the late winner in the 88th minute after a quick counter‑attack, tapping a loose ball past Newcastle keeper Nick Pope.
What was the reaction from Newcastle’s manager?
Eddie Howe admitted his side slipped defensively, saying, "We let a simple goal in at the end. We’ll analyse what went wrong and bounce back."
When is Arsenal’s next big fixture?
Arsenal travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on 5 October 2025, a match that could push them into the top two if they secure another win.
How did the crowd influence the match?
The Geordie nation’s vocal support created a charged atmosphere, but Arsenal’s travelling fans kept the noise level high, especially after the equaliser, helping sustain the team’s belief.
