Arsenal secured a statement win at St James’s Park with a dramatic stoppage time winner.
Nick Woltemade had put Newcastle United ahead in the first half against the run of play as Eberechi Eze and Leandro Trossard saw good opportunities squandered.
Arsenal found it difficult to create the same volume of chances in the second half with the home side defending so deep, however substitute Mikel Merino glanced home an equaliser late on.
The game looked to be heading for a draw before Martin Odegaard’s corner was powered into the back of the net by Gabriel Magalhaes to move the Gunners into second place. One player in particular delivered an excellent display under the radar.
Viktor Gyokeres produces his best performance for Arsenal in Newcastle clash
It may have been another game where Viktor Gyokeres failed to get on the scoresheet, however, Mikel Arteta would have witnessed a striker that is getting to grips with what he expects from his number nine.
The Swede was up against three physical centre backs in Eddie Howe’s side and showed that his physicality can be a real weapon for the Gunners.
Gyokeres held the ball up well and began to show signs of an understanding with Bukayo Saka as the two combined on a number of occasions in the first half to fashion some openings.
He also should have won a penalty in the opening exchanges when he anticipated a back pass from Jacob Murphy and was brought down by Nick Pope.
The goal tally may suggest it was a frustrating afternoon for Gyokeres, but he produced his best overall performance since moving to North London in a vital victory.
Viktor Gyokeres match statistics v Newcastle United
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Graham Stack has compared Gyokeres to Thierry Henry in terms of taking his time to settle into the side upon arrival.
Against one of the best defences in the league, Gyokeres was strong and caused all sorts of problems with his pace and power.
| Newcastle v Arsenal match statistics | Viktor Gyokeres |
| Minutes played | |
| Touches | |
| Shots on target | 1 |
| Shots off target | 2 |
| Passing accuracy | 62% |
The Swede had an opening in the first half where he should have shot early on his right foot but chose to cut inside and got tackled.
He was also unlucky in the second half after being played through by Eze but slipped at the vital moment and his effort went wide.
Goals will come for the 27-year-old, however, what he showed in a cauldron of an atmosphere was that he could mix it with the most tenacious defenders and be a focal point for his team.
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