After Arsenal’s dramatic 2–1 win at St James’ Park, Eddie Howe was asked about Mikel Arteta’s assessment that Arsenal “deserved” the result. Howe didn’t fully agree — he acknowledged Arsenal had more attacking chances, but felt the loss was harsh on his side.
Here are some of his comments:
“I thought they had more chances than us. They looked more of a goal threat than us, so, on that side, you could say yes [they deserved to win]. But I thought defeat was harsh on us after everything we gave the game.”
“They’re very different goals [conceded], although they’re from the same source. So obviously we haven’t done our jobs well enough, individually, collectively. You can critique the goals from their side and say it was good play, but from us, we had done better. I think throughout the game, the number and the weight of corners told in the end. We’d done so well from lots of those similar positions, but obviously I think the last one is a killer blow. It’s one of the last moments or actions of the game and we had to do better in that moment.”
He also conceded that Newcastle weren’t at their best in terms of execution:
“We have to reflect and acknowledge that we weren’t at our best. There was no lack of effort but from a footballing side, it wasn’t quite there.”
Reuters
“The weight of pressure eventually told. No lack of effort but the little details have cost us.”
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So, Howe’s view: yes, Arsenal had more threat — but given Newcastle’s fight, the timing, and the margins, the defeat felt harsh.
Final Score & Significance
Newcastle 1 – 2 Arsenal
Arsenal came from behind to win with two late goals — a header from Mikel Merino in the 84th minute and a stoppage-time winner from Gabriel Magalhães in the 96th.
The win lifts Arsenal to second place in the Premier League, now just two points behind Liverpool.
For Newcastle, it’s a blow, especially at home, and underscores how tight margins can hurt even in well-fought games.
First Half & Opening Goal
Newcastle struck first via Nick Woltemade in the 34th minute. The goal stemmed from a short corner routine: Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon exchanged passes before Woltemade rose to head in.
Arsenal’s backline was stretched; confusion from a misplayed back-pass by Cristhian Mosquera contributed to the chance.
Earlier, Arsenal appeared to be awarded a penalty when Viktor Gyokeres was brought down, but the decision was overturned via VAR after replays showed that Newcastle’s goalkeeper Nick Pope touched the ball first.
The reversal sparked frustration from Arsenal — especially Arteta — who argued VAR should only intervene in “clear and obvious errors.”
Second Half & Arsenal Pressure
After halftime, Arsenal parked more pressure. They had to break down a compact Newcastle defense that was well organized, especially from set pieces and in wide areas.
Newcastle had moments too. Leandro Trossard hit the woodwork. Eberechi Eze unleashed a strong volley that tested Pope.
Tactically, Newcastle shifted at times (e.g. using a back five) to resist Arsenal’s build and cross overloads.
The Guardian
The Comeback & Winner
In the 84th minute, Arsenal drew level. From a short corner, Declan Rice’s cross found Merino, who nodded it home — poetic given his past with Newcastle.
Deep into stoppage time (96th minute), Gabriel rose to meet a Martin Ødegaard corner, heading in the winner after Pope failed to assert control on the clearance.
Gabriel had also been involved in earlier controversy: before Woltemade’s goal, there was a push from Woltemade in Gabriel’s direction, but it was ruled minimal contact and allowed to stand.
Themes & Takeaways
Late pressure wins matches — Arsenal’s volume of corners and constant probing eventually broke Newcastle’s structure.
VAR remains contentious — the penalty controversy underlined just how razor-thin decisions now decide outcomes.
Fine margins & timing matter — Newcastle were competitive for large stretches, but lapses at key moments (especially in set pieces) cost them. Howe noted that “the little details have cost us.”
Psychological boost for Arsenal — coming back in a hostile ground gives them momentum, especially given past struggles at Newcastle.