Arsenal secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Newcastle United at St James' Park on Sunday, a result that significantly impacted the Premier League title race. This late comeback, achieved with two goals in the final minutes, saw Mikel Arteta's side climb to second place, just two points behind league leaders Liverpool, who suffered a 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday. The manner of Arsenal's win, sealed by a last-gasp goal, has been highlighted as a pivotal moment for their title aspirations, especially after finishing as runner-ups in recent seasons.

The match was fraught with tension and key incidents. Newcastle initially took the lead in the 34th minute through a powerful header from new star forward Nick Woltemade, beating David Raya. Arsenal had thought they had an early breakthrough when a penalty was awarded for a perceived foul on Viktor Gyokeres by Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope. However, following a VAR intervention, referee Jarred Gillett was sent to the monitor and subsequently reversed his decision, ruling that Pope had got enough on the ball before the challenge. This decision sparked debate, with some arguing it was not a clear and obvious error to warrant VAR's involvement, especially as Pope's touch on the ball did not negate the follow-through foul.

Despite hitting the post through Leandro Trossard and being denied by superb saves from Pope on efforts from Eberechi Eze and Jurrien Timber, Arsenal's persistence paid off late in the game. Substitute Mikel Merino, a former Newcastle player, scored the equalizer in the 84th minute with a glancing header from a Declan Rice set-piece. The winning goal came deep into added time, in the 96th minute, when Gabriel Magalhaes rose over Pope to head home another set-piece, orchestrated by set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, to complete the spectacular comeback.

The match was not without further controversy. Newcastle sought a penalty late on when Anthony Elanga's cross struck Gabriel's arm inside the box. However, referee Gillett correctly judged it was not a penalty, citing that the arm was in a natural position due to the close proximity and the ball coming off a blocked tackle. Post-match, tensions flared as Newcastle midfielder Joelinton appeared to push Arsenal's assistant coach Miguel Molina. Mikel Arteta swiftly intervened, guiding his colleague away from the fracas, in an ugly moment following an otherwise thrilling game.

Managerial reactions reflected the intensity of the encounter. Mikel Arteta expressed immense satisfaction, stating the victory proved Arsenal could