Player Ratings: Arsenal Produce Dramatic Comeback to Beat Newcastle United

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EPL Index

·28 September 2025

Player Ratings: Arsenal Produce Dramatic Comeback to Beat Newcastle United

Newcastle United 1-2 Arsenal: Premier League Drama at St James’ Park

A packed St James’ Park witnessed a gripping Premier League encounter as Arsenal overturned a late deficit to beat Newcastle United 2-1, snatching all three points deep into stoppage time. The contest was intense, full of contentious moments and decided by two late goals that silenced the Tyneside crowd.

VAR Controversy Shapes the Opening Stages

The game had its first major talking point midway through the first half when Viktor Gyokeres appeared to be brought down by Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope. The referee pointed to the spot but after a lengthy VAR check the decision was overturned, sparking deafening cheers from the home faithful. Replays suggested it was a strong penalty claim, adding further fuel to the debate over video technology in the Premier League.

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Arsenal came close through Leandro Trossard who rattled the woodwork, yet it was Newcastle United who took the lead. New signing Nick Woltemade rose highest from a Sandro Tonali corner to power his header past David Raya. Arsenal felt Gabriel had been pushed in the build-up but the officials were unmoved.

Photo: IMAGO

Late Comeback Stuns St James’ Park

For long stretches, Newcastle’s defensive structure looked set to frustrate the visitors. Sven Botman and Dan Burn marshalled the back line with authority while Bruno Guimaraes dictated the tempo in midfield. As the clock ticked into the final ten minutes, home fans sensed a famous win.

Declan Rice had other ideas. His precise delivery found substitute Mikel Merino who glanced home the equaliser, igniting the away end. The Gunners were relentless in pursuit of a winner and they were rewarded in injury time when Martin Odegaard’s curling delivery was met by Gabriel who made amends for the earlier incident by heading in the decisive goal.

Tactical Insights and Key Performers

Arsenal’s resilience under pressure will please Mikel Arteta, particularly their ability to stay composed after conceding. Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe will be encouraged by his side’s discipline and the promising debut of Woltemade but will rue missed chances to seal the match.

For Arsenal, Gabriel’s redemption story stood out alongside Merino’s impact from the bench. Declan Rice battled tirelessly while Bukayo Saka and Viktor Gyokeres provided consistent outlets despite limited service.

Player Ratings

Newcastle United

Nick Pope 7
Sven Botman 7
Malick Thiaw 7
Dan Burn 7
Bruno Guimaraes 7
Sandro Tonali 7
Joelinton 6
Jacob Murphy 6
Anthony Gordon 7
Nick Woltemade 7
Anthony Elanga 6
William Osula 6
Kieran Trippier 6
Jamaal Lascelles 6
Harvey Barnes 5

Arsenal

David Raya 7
Riccardo Calafiori 7
Gabriel 7
Cristhian Mosquera 6
Jurrien Timber 7
Declan Rice 7
Martin Zubimendi 7
Leandro Trossard 7
Eberechi Eze 6
Viktor Gyokeres 7
Bukayo Saka 7
William Saliba 6
Mikel Merino 7
Gabriel Martinelli 6
Martin Odegaard 6
Myles Lewis-Skelly 6

Managers

Eddie Howe 6
Mikel Arteta 7

What This Means for the Premier League Race

The victory lifts Arsenal’s spirits as they continue their push near the top of the Premier League table. Newcastle United remain a difficult opponent at home but will need to find greater cutting edge in front of goal if they are to keep pace with the league’s elite.

With both clubs eyeing European places, these tightly fought battles could prove decisive come the end of the season.