Three things we learned from Arsenal comeback victory as Mikel Arteta releases handbrake | OneFootball

Gunners put an end to a three-match winless run at St James’ Park

Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings

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The Gunners had looked on course to leave St James’ Park empty-handed after Nick Woltemade’s first-half header.

Mikel Merino equalised in the 84th minute, though, and then deep into injury-time Gabriel snatched a winner.

The victory means Arsenal closed the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to just two points.

Standard Sport looks at three things we learned from the game at St. James’ Park…

Arsenal’s title charge has lift-off

We will have to wait until May to learn just how valuable these three points were for Arsenal but, in the immediate aftermath, they felt huge.

The reaction to Gabriel’s winner said it all, with the whole Arsenal bench charging down the touchline to mob the Brazilian.

It was, in truth, no more than the visitors deserved. They finished this game with 20 shots on goal and over 60 per cent possession.

Nick Pope was poor for Gabriel’s winner - too weak as he tried to claim a corner - but before that the goalkeeper was one of Newcastle’s better players.

Match winner: Gabriel

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Twice in the first-half he denied Eberechi Eze with fine saves and he used all of his 6ft 6in frame to keep out Jurrien Timber after the break.

Eventually, Pope was beaten and Arsenal have given their title charge a huge injection this weekend.

Liverpool’s defeat to Crystal Palace, and the Gunners win at St. James’ Park, means the gap has shrunk from five to two points.

Eze and Rice shine as handbrake comes off

It was only a week ago that Mikel Arteta was having to fight off accusations that his side were playing with the “handbrake on” after drawing with Manchester City.

Actions speak louder than words, though, and in the end, Arteta and his side did their talking on the pitch.

The team picked by the Arsenal boss signalled his intent, with Declan Rice and Eze paired together as two No8s.

Electric: Declan Rice

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It worked well and the pair were arguably their side’s best players. Eze was unlucky not to be on the scoresheet and caused Newcastle plenty of problems by being deployed centrally.

Rice was tireless, impacting the game both offensively and defensively - and it was his cross that Merino headed home to equalise.

Merino was one of those under fire last week, with many arguing his selection typified Arsenal’s lack of attacking intent. Seven days later, he was one of the Gunners' heroes.

Mosquera has his first off-day

Cristhian Mosquera has been one of the real positives for Arsenal this season, but this was a day to forget for the young defender.

Picked to start ahead of William Saliba, who Arteta revealed was not fully fit, the Spaniard had a shaky game.

Indeed, it was Mosquera’s loose pass that led to the corner which Newcastle ultimately took the lead from.

It was a rare error from the 21-year-old who, before today, had not even committed a foul in a Premier League game.

The fact he is still so young easily explains performances like this from Mosquera, who has arguably over performed, so far.

Arteta hooking him at half-time may dent his confidence, but it was the right call and Saliba helped Arsenal tighten up after the break.

This was a tough lesson for Mosquera, however it was one that should stand him in good stead in the long run.