Arsenal came from behind to dramatically beat Newcastle United 2-1 in the Premier League, securing a vital three points while also avoiding defeat for the first time in four visits to St James’ Park.
No combination of goalkeepers had kept more Premier League clean sheets this season than Nick Pope and David Raya, and the former showed why when he got down brilliantly to deny Eberechi Eze just five minutes into proceedings.
In what was emerging as an end-to-end affair, Raya was given a more routine save to make by Malick Thiaw’s header, before Pope got enough on the ball to avoid conceding a penalty for his challenge on Viktor Gyokeres, after the striker had intercepted Jacob Murphy’s lax pass.
There was another story of fine margins leaving Arsenal frustrated soon after, as a swift move forward culminated in Leandro Trossard’s strike beating Pope but smashing the post.
Eze also continued to search out openings from the edge of Newcastle’s box, but saw one effort blocked by Sven Botman and another denied by a commanding Pope save.
Having overcome that pressure, Newcastle took the lead in the 35th minute with Sandro Tonali playing a short corner and delivering a cross, which Nick Woltemade headed home when he rose above the falling Gabriel Magalhaes.
Having needlessly conceded the corner for that goal, Cristhian Mosquera was replaced by William Saliba at half-time, and the Gunners continued their search for an equaliser with Eze firing harmlessly over.
A lovely passage of play culminated in a wonderful Martin Zubimendi dink being headed by Jurrien Timber, who was denied an equally eye-catching save from Pope.
Declan Rice had to make a lung-bursting run the other way to block Murphy’s shot, and while the Magpies remained resolute in defence at the other end, there was a blow for Eddie Howe with Tino Livramento going off injured with a quarter-hour left to play.
The Magpies couldn’t hang onto their lead though, as Rice’s cross was headed in off the post by Mikel Merino to draw Arsenal level.
And things got even better for the Gunners in the 97th minute, when Gabriel inspired rapturous celebrations in the away end by heading in Martin Odegaard’s corner to bring his side within two points of league leaders Liverpool.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Declan Rice (Arsenal)