Newcastle United 1-2 Arsenal result - Gunners close gap to top as Gabriel heads late winner after Mikel Merino cancelled out Nick Woltemade's opener

Gabriel and Mikel Merino headed two late goals as Arsenal moved to within two points of leaders Liverpool with a dramatic 2-1 victory at Newcastle United.

The Gunners made an excellent start but were left furious when a controversial VAR intervention led to referee Jarred Gillett overturning his initial decision to award the visitors a spot kick for Nick Pope’s challenge on Viktor Gyokeres.

Leandro Trossard hit the post and Eberechi Eze forced two fine saves out of an inspired Pope before the home team snatched the lead when record signing Nick Woltemade nodded in Sandro Tonali’s left-wing cross.

Arsenal continued to push hard in the second half and levelled six minutes from time when substitute Merino flicked in Declan Rice’s delicious cross.

The visitors were not done there and Gabriel headed home a right-wing corner deep into stoppage time to ensure they took advantage of Liverpool’s defeat at Crystal Palace courtesy of an astonishing late turnaround.

The result sees The Gunners rise back up to second spot with 13 points from six games played. Newcastle are seven points further back in 15th place.

Next up, Arsenal host Olympiakos while The Magpies are away to Union Saint-Gilloise in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night.

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"That's so big for Arsenal; so big for Mikel Arteta. A week ago, the glass was half empty but now it’s more than half full.

"Liverpool lose and Arsenal win in stunning fashion. They played well here today, they deserved it. They were the better football team. They took risks, they had more intent and made really good substitutions.

"That will give them huge confidence."

Newcastle United 1-2 Arsenal.

The Gunners have surely won it!

Gabriel delivers a thumping header from a right-wing corner and Newcastle look dejected.

Trippier is undone by Odegaard's wonderful ball in-behind for Lewis-Skelly, but Thiaw roars across to slide in and make a key block-challenge.

Joelinton off, Barnes on.

There are some tired legs out there for Newcastle now.

Eight minutes added.

Plenty of time for a winner...

Myles Lewis-Skelly on for Trossard.

Meanwhile, Jason Tindall has been booked on the Newcastle bench.

It's suggested the ball deflected off Gabriel's leg and on to his arm, that was high in the air.

Elanga's cross-shot appears to hit the arm of the sliding Gabriel.

Play continues for some time until the referee pauses for the VAR check...

It's another super sub for The Gunners.

Rice arcs a cross in from the left and Merino flicks a wonderful header into the far corner via the post.

Joelinton booked.

Odegaard on for Zubimendi.

Gyokeres is played in and tries to engineer the space for a shot just inside the area, but he takes too long and skews wide from 14 yards out.

Some of his teammates have their hands on their head after that, they felt it was a big opportunity.

Arsenal would miss the chance to take advantage of Liverpool’s loss at Crystal Palace and would sit five points adrift of the leaders in seventh spot.

Newcastle would rise to eighth, just a point further back.

Still plenty of time for that to change, mind you.

Osula is cutting a lonely figure up top for The Toon.

Surely they need to offer more in attack and have some possession to try and see this through?

The full back landed awkwardly and looks distressed as he's taken off.

Lascelles comes on in his place.

Livramento is down and receiving treatment.