Arsenal Display Championship Quality with Late Comeback to Stun Newcastle and Close in On Liverpool

Arsenal fought back from a goal down to snatch a dramatic 2-1 victory against Newcastle United, securing a vital three points and ending a three-game losing streak at St James' Park on Sunday.

The match was billed as a battle between two of the Premier League's top goalkeepers, Nick Pope and David Raya, who had kept more combined clean sheets than any other pair this season.

Pope was called into action early, making a brilliant save to deny Eberechi Eze just five minutes in. At the other end, Raya comfortably handled a header from Malick Thiaw.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

Pope was soon in the spotlight again, narrowly avoiding conceding a penalty for a challenge on Viktor Gyokeres after the striker pounced on a loose pass from Jacob Murphy.

Arsenal's frustration grew when a swift counter-attack ended with Leandro Trossard's powerful strike hitting the post. Eze remained a threat for the visitors, but one shot was blocked by Sven Botman before another was thwarted by a commanding Pope.

Against the run of play, Newcastle broke the deadlock in the 35th minute. Sandro Tonali played a short corner and delivered an inch-perfect cross for Nick Woltemade, who rose above a stumbling Gabriel Magalhaes to head home.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta responded by bringing on William Saliba for Cristhian Mosquera at halftime. The Gunners immediately pushed for an equaliser, with Eze firing an early warning shot over the bar.

A sublime dinked pass from Martín Zubimendi found Jurrien Timber, whose header was met with an equally impressive save from Pope. Moments later, Declan Rice made a crucial lung-busting run to block a shot from Murphy as Newcastle looked to counter.

The Magpies' resolute defence was finally breached in the 76th minute when Mikel Merino met Rice's cross, heading the ball in off the post to level the score. The hosts' hopes were further dented when Tino Livramento was forced off with an injury.

The comeback was completed deep into stoppage time when, in the 97th minute, Gabriel met a Martin Odegaard corner with a powerful header, sparking wild celebrations in the away end.

The victory moves Arsenal to within two points of league leaders Liverpool and inflicts only the second Premier League defeat of the season on Newcastle.