Arsenal travelled to St James’s Park in search of three points against Newcastle United.
Mikel Arteta’s side had lost on their last three visits to the Geordies and the Arsenal boss went with a more creative midfield as Eberechi Eze came in for Mikel Merino.
The Gunners were denied a clear penalty upon VAR review early in the game as Viktor Gyokeres was brought down by Nick Pope.
Newcastle then took the lead midway through the first half as Nick Woltemade headed in from a well worked short corner.
Arsenal huffed and puffed and were finally rewarded as Declan Rice’s cross was glanced home by substitute Merino to level the game.
Gabriel Magalhaes made up for an earlier error in the build up to Newcastle’s goal by heading home a last minute winner to earn a vital three points for his side.
Winners from Arsenal’s clash with Newcastle United
Jurrien Timber
In the modern day game, fullbacks have arguably become one of the most important positions on the pitch and Arsenal have one of the very best around in Jurrien Timber.
Arsenal fans were in awe of Timber for his display up against a lively opponent in Anthony Gordon as the Dutch defender nullified any threat completely.
He was also one of the Gunners biggest attacking outlets with a number of ferocious runs into the final third and constantly showed his skill and flair on the ball.
Mikel Merino
Dropped from the midfield trio in favour of the more creative Eze, Merino showed that he is a player that steps up in the big occasions.
His physical presence was a factor from the moment he came on and grabbed a crucial equaliser with an exquisite glancing header.
What is to be admired about Merino most is his attitude and commitment to the team and he is reaping his reward with another vital moment.
Gabriel Magalhaes
For a player that has been colossal for his side in recent seasons, Gabriel Magalhaes will look back on his part in the Newcastle opener with some regret.
The Brazilian felt a slight push from Woltemade as he went to head the ball clear and chose to tumble to the ground, allowing the German striker to head the ball past David Raya.
However, such is the character of the big defender, he put the incident behind him and planted a magnificent header to win the game in the last minute.
Losers from Arsenal’s clash with Newcastle United
Cristhian Mosquera
It has been such an impressive start to his Arsenal career from Cristhian Mosquera, however, he suffered his first setback in the red and white of the Gunners.
Coming in for William Saliba, Mosquera shanked a back pass midway through the first half out of play for a corner to the home side.
Whilst the defending was poor from the resulting corner, it proved to be a decisive moment in the game as Woltemade headed home.
A learning experience for the Spaniard who was substituted at half time but will be determined to make amends on his next opportunity.
PGMOL
How many more incidents involving Arsenal are the PGMOL going to brush under the carpet? Another apology will be being written as we speak but the fact is the Gunners couldn’t care less.
The penalty incident is a game-changing moment and the lack of consistency throughout the Premier League is embarrassing.
Just seven days previous Chelsea Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was sent off against Manchester United despite getting a touch on the ball.
Gyokeres is ready to put the ball into an empty net and is completely taken out by Pope on the stretch. Arsenal have every right to feel aggrieved once again.
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