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By HARRY BAMFORTH, LIVE SPORTS COVERAGE REPORTER and CRAIG HOPE, CHIEF FOOTBALL REPORTER Updated: 05: 11 AEST, 29 September 2025 825 View comments Relive Daily Mail Sport's live blog for the score, team news and updates as Newcastle welcomed Arsenal to St James' Park in the Premier League, with Craig Hope reporting from the ground. That. Was. Huge. Before this weekend, there was a prospect that Arsenal could have been eight points behind Liverpool if everything went wrong. Instead, the gap is now two points. As soon as the whistle went at Selhurst Park yesterday and Crystal Palace had beaten Liverpool, an already massive game at St. James' Park got even bigger. Arsenal HAD to beat Newcastle, and well, that's what they did. For a long time, it looked like it was going to be another afternoon of pain for the Gunners at a ground that has inflicted so much damage on their title hopes in the last few years. They had a stonewall penalty overturned, missed heaps of chances, and then Newcastle went and took the lead through Nick Woltemade. But this new and improved version of Arsenal did not give up, and they turned the game on its head late on. Mikel Merino levelled things up with five minutes to go, before Gabriel won it in stoppage time. Now it's Arsenal who have the momentum, not Liverpool. The fact that we are talking like this just two months and six games into the campaign says everything, really. This is going to be a rollercoaster of a campaign with so many twists and turns. But what we do know is that Arsenal will likely be there or thereabouts at the very end of it. Anyway, I am going to dash off now. Thank you for joining us, see you soon. These highlights are a must-watch. I imagine that many an Arsenal fan have already re-watched this game a fair few times. If it were my team, I'd be lapping it up. One of the matches of the season. A true blockbuster of a clash. Eddie Howe, Newcastle manager, on Sky Sports: Butterfly effect can be big in football. Sadly, I don't have the footage of Gabriel hitting Nick Woltemade in the face; it would be very helpful right now, but I can tell you that it was really naughty. In fact, I was stunned at the time that VAR didn't actually check the incident. Gabriel easily could have been sent off. Had he been, then he obviously wouldn't have been on the pitch to score the winner. But he was, and he did. Nick Woltemade, Newcastle goalscorer, on Sky Sports: On his goal: On the situation with Gabriel after his goal: You have to feel for Eddie Howe and his side. Don't get me wrong, they didn't deserve anything from that game. Well, maybe you could argue that a point would have been fair, but they were dominated for most of the game. But you either have to have a heart of stone or support Sunderland or Arsenal to not feel sympathy for the Magpies to lose in that fashion. That's the second time it's happened to them this season. For that to happen twice across all 38 games is brutal enough, but twice in six games? Just so tough. They are going to have to try to pick themselves up, but it will be hard. Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager, speaking on Sky Sports: Mikel Merino, Arsenal goalscorer, on Sky Sports: Yep, that is a real sub-heading. When Mikel Merino joined Arsenal, I think many of us just expected him to be a squad player, a back-up in the midfield. But over the course of his 14 months at the Emirates, he has grown into a really important player. .. just not in the way you'd expect. Merino is now Arsenal’s top scorer across both all competitions (9) and Premier League only (7) in 2025. Four of his nine goals this year have been scored with his head, with no Premier League player netting more headers in this period. Who'd have thought it? Bukayo Saka, Arsenal winger, on Sky Sports: On the penalty being overturned in the first half:

Want more content on the late winner? If you are an Arsenal fan, I imagine the answer is a resounding yes. Well, there are plenty of incredible stats regarding Gabriel's header at the death. It was a historic goal. This was the second-latest that Arsenal have trailed in a Premier League game and gone on to win (equalised in 84th minute), after their 3-1 win over Norwich in April 2013, when the equalising goal was converted by Mikel Arteta in the 85th minute. In fact, timed at 95: 45, Arsenal scored their second-latest winning goal in a Premier League away game on record (since 2003-04), only behind Declan Rice’s winner at Luton in December 2023 (96: 23). This goal will be replayed over and over again for years. What is it about late goals this season? Rio Ngumoha against Newcastle, Mohamed Salah against Burnley, Eddie Nketiah against Liverpool, and now Gabriel against Newcastle. Week after week, there seems to be a massive winner in stoppage time. It's just crazy. I mean, as a neutral, it's incredibly entertaining for us. There are already so many memorable moments from this campaign, just two months in. I say 'neutral' because Newcastle must be sick of these late winners. 90+10 against Liverpool, and 90+6 here. Brutal. Want to watch the winner back? I imagine if you are a Newcastle fan reading this, the answer will be a big fat NO. So, this one is for you, Arsenal supporters. It's one hell of a header from Gabriel, and just look at the scenes in the aftermath of the ball hitting the net. Pure joy and jubilation. Gary Neville, former Man United captain, on Sky Sports: Do we have new kings of the comeback? In years gone by, Arsenal haven't always been the best at turning games around, especially late on. But not anymore. There are so many reasons that win is a massive one, but the fact that the Gunners came from behind so late in the evening is probably the biggest of them all. I've said it so many times, but to show the mental strength to come from behind when so much had gone against them, at a ground that has caused them so much pain, is hugely impressive. It will give those Arsenal players so much confidence going into the rest of the season. Could this year be their year? The Arsenal fans serenade their hero. The Gabriel chant is echoing out from the heavens of St. James' Park, and the matchwinner races over to his adoring fans to celebrate. You can feel just how much this means by these celebrations; Arsenal really needed that. If the Gunners left with anything other than three points, it would have been a travesty. They dominated here, at a ground that has caused them so many problems in the past. This title race is well and truly alive and kicking. Arsenal end their St. James' Park hoodoo. The pain of years gone by are expelled by Gabriel, and he drops to the ground in celebration as the whistle is blown. This feels huge. We are only two months into the new season, but that may hve just swung the title race in Arsenals' favour. They move within two points of Liverpool with a massive three points. AT THE DEATH! It's pandemonium for Arsenal, and it's heartbreak for Newcastle. Gabriel has won it right at the end. I don't know what it is about late winners this season, but they seem to be here in abundance, and the Gunners get their moment. It's, of course, from a corner and Gabriel hammers it past Nick Pope to claim a massive three points. HUGE. Malick Thiaw, take a bow! The Newcastle defender may have just earned his side a massive point with a huge block. Myles Lewis-Skelly is in and looks to square the ball, but Thiaw comes across and makes a big challenge to block the ball. Is this Eddie Howe going for it? The Newcastle boss brings on Harvey Barnes, and it's Joelinton who makes way for him. That seems like an attacking change to me. You could cut the tension in here with a knife. St. James' Park is pretty much silent bar a few whistles as Arsenal knock the ball about. This could be a long few minutes for Newcastle if it continues like this. I called it! My prediction of eight additional minutes has come true, and there is plenty of time for a winner. Who will get it, though? This is a strange substitution. I have been praising Mikel Arteta for going for it, but now they are level, you'd expect him to push for a winner. So what does he does, bring on defender Myles Lewis-Skelly for winger Leandro Trossard. Strange. This one goes Arsenal's way. The ball took a deflection up onto the arm of Gabriel, and he was pretty darn close to Anthony Elanga. I think VAR has made the correct decision there. At last. Ooooooh. .. Gabriel could be in trouble here. VAR is checking a handball from the Arsenal man inside the penalty box. Anthony Elanga fires a shot off and the defender has his arms outstretched and the ball hits it. Yet more controversy. MIKEL ARTETA'S SUBS HAVE DONE IT AGAIN! Just like last week, a substitute has come off the bench to score a massive late equaliser. Mikel Merino does brilliantly to rise highest and head home Declan Rice's lovely cross. That's a big, big goal. There we are! Joelinton finally gets his yellow card. The Brazilian easily could have got one in the first minute, but it has taken until the 84th for him to pick one up. That's decent by his standards. Mikel Arteta is throwing everything at this now. Martin Odegaard is back from injury and he replaces Martin Zubimendi as Arsenal chase an equaliser. Time for the captain to step up? Nick Pope, is that really you? I know the bloke is having a good game, but I never thought I'd see him bring out some skills. He sends Vikto Gyokeres to the cleaners. Moments later, Gyokeres is in the thick of it again. He clashes with Jamaal Lascelles, and then sends an effort comfortably wide. It's all going on now. There is only 10 minutes of normal time remaining, but this game is far from over. I'm guessing there will be around eight minutes of stoppage time, and based on how this season has gone, I bet we will get a late goal. Arsenal are approaching desperation station now. The stretcher is out; this really isn't good. Tino Livarmento looks distraught as he is lifted onto it; his hands are on his face. Poor lad. He gets a lot of love from the crowd as he comes off, but I'm sure that will mean little to him right now, sadly. He is replaced by Jamaal Lascelles, who plays for the first time in what feels like forever. Oh dear. .. Tin Livaramento is down and it looks like he has awkwardly landed on his ankle. Not good. Eddie Howe is staring into the distance with worry, as he knows he doesn't have a replacement on the bench. Remember, Lewis Hall is not in the squad. Bruno Guimaraes is one pumped-up man, my word. He lets out an almighty roar alongside a huge fist pump as he blocks Jurrien Timber's flick and wins a throw-in. I swear there is always one minor moment in a big game where the Newcastle skipper lets out one of those, he blooming loves it. It certainly riles up the crowd; they are alive again. Another big chance for Viktor Gyokeres! This time, there is no hesitation, and the striker lets fly from the right-hand side of the box. It's a decent bending strike, but it flies inches wide of the post via a crucial deflection. The pressure is ramping up again. Can Gabriel Martinelli be the hero again? Well, he has the chance to be as he comes on to replace Bukayo Saka for the final 20 minutes. And Mikel Arteta is really going for it as he hooks Riccardo Calafiori for Mikel Merino. Ohhhhh. .. I thought that was the moment. It almost feels like time falls still as Bukayo Saka's shot is deflected into the path of Viktor Gyokeres. The Swede just needs to pull the trigger, but he hesitates and Newcastle hook the ball out for a corner. Big, big moment. Eddie Howe rings the changes. Nick Woltemade's number is up and he gets a standing ovation as he leaves the pitch to be replaced by Will Osula. Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy also make way, with Kieran Trippier and Anthony Elanga coming on. Declan Rice to the rescue. Newcastle are so dangerous on the counter attack, and for the first time in what feels like forever, they finally get out of their own half. Jacob Murphy races away; he has the whole Arsenal half in front of him, but Declan Rice does brilliantly to track back and block his effort when he makes it into the box. Huge block from Rice, that. It really is all Arsenal now. They are probing, really probing, while Newcastle are just sitting deep in their own half with the aim of soaking up pressure. Can the Gunners break them down? WOW! What a save that is from Nick Pope, he is on one today. It's a stunning little dink from Martin Zubimendi to plop the ball on Jurrien Timber's head five yards out. His header looks set for the bottom corner, but somehow Pope reacts quickly enough to get low and turn the ball past the post. That is an incredible stop. Ooooooft. Now that is so, so close from Joelinton. St. James' Park screams 'shoooot' at the Brazilian as he picks up the ball on the edge of the area, and boy does he oblige. Joleinton rifles a low drive across David Raya, and it bends just wide of the far post. That's a good effort, that. Riccardo Calafiori loves yellow crads so much, I wouldn't be surprised if he marries one. He always seems to pick one up. This time, he is shown a booking for wrestling Tino Livarmento to the ground like he is a WWE star. Oh, that's a real chance. Anthony Gordon burns down the right-hand side and then drills the ball into the six-yard box. Nick Woltemade is trying to get there, but Gabriel does brilliantly to wrestle him enough to put him off. Up the other end, Eberechi Eze then blazes over on the volley. It's all happening in the north east. St. James' Park is overcome with nerves again. That's because Arsenal have their Newcastle team pinned back in their own box and are trying to break them down. This could easily become the pattern of the half, and if it does, those fans are going to be having kittens. Oh, I've just realised that Cristhian Mosquera has been hooked by Mikel Arteta. That feels a bit harsh. .. is he injured? Anyway, William Saliba has come on at the break and Mosquera is looking rather miffed on that bench. How is it not two? ? I can't believe it, and neither can Nick Woltemade as he is on the floor with his hands on his head. Newcastle come flying at the traps, and Jacob Murphy finds the big man in the middle, and you just expect him to score. But no, he hits the bar. It's a massive chance, and a big miss, but it wouldn't have counted anyway, as the flag does go up. Still, he has to score. Here we go again. The teams are back out, and there is a massive roar as Sandro Tonali gets this second half underway. Let's hope this half is as entertaining as the first. I thought Nick Woltemade wasn't known for his headers? Everyone made a point of saying that Woltemade is brilliant with his feet, like a Peter Crouch-style player, despite being such a big man. Well, that's now two goals. .. both headers. He takes this one so well, and no, it's not a foul on Gabriel. He just tries to buy a free-kick as he knows he's stuffed. Things just aren't going Arsenal's way this season. This is the first time since April 2023 that Arsenal have trailed at half-time in consecutive Premier League matches. It really does feel like an uphill battle for the Gunners now. If they turn this around, it would be huge for their season, but it's going to take a monumental effort. I think many fans would take a draw. Jamie Redknapp, former Tottenham midfielder, on Sky Sports:

This is an incident that is going to be debated for some time. Personally, I am still in a little disbelief that the penalty given to Arsenal for Nick Pope cleaning out Viktor Gyokeres was overturned. Sure, the Newcastle man got the slightest of touches on the ball, but it doesn't change that he took the Swede out. Gyokeres would have scored if not for the challenge. Some of my colleagues believe that because of the touch, the referee made the right decision, but I have to disagree. I think Mikel Arteta has a right to feel hard done by. Watch and let me know what you think. And breathe. This fixture never fails to deliver; this has been a belting affair on Tyneside, and Newcastle lead at the break. Arsenal will feel hard done by, considering they should have had a penalty and dominated before going behind. But they lost their way in the St. James' Park cauldron eventually, and Nick Woltemade stuck the Magpies in front against the run of play. The fact is, though, that ain't the half of it. .. Bukayo Saka is losing his head here. The Arsenal stand-in skipper goes apoplectic at the referee after not getting a free-kick. He goes to the ground after a collision with Sandro Tonali, but it's never a foul. Not in my eyes at least. Saka doesn't agree, though; he's incensed. Arsenal have certainly lost their way since the goal. You can see that many of the players feel decisions have gone against them, and it's affecting their performance now. They just need to forget about what's happened and just get back to playing football again. You don't get anywhere when frustrated. Thank goodness. This is an enthralling contest and I just don't want it to be paused yet. Luckily, we have seven more minutes until the break. Nick Woltemade and Gabriel are still going at it. Sandro Tonali is down receiving treatment after getting hit flush in the face by the ball. Meanwhile, the big man and the Brazilian are still discussing the goal, and the clash thereafter. Gabriel loves a rivalry with a big striker, doesn't he? CC Erling Haaland. Brilliant defending that, wow. Viktor Gyokeres is on his bike and just has to get past Malick Thiaw as he enters the box. But the Newcastle man stands up to the challenge excellently, nicking the ball off him and driving the Geordies back up the pitch. St. James' Park roars again. I've watched it again, it's definitely NOT a foul. Gabriel is still livid, though, and there are some afters with Nick Woltemade that Jarred Gillett has to break up. We were waiting for this game to reach boiling point, and my word, it has now. It's the feisty affair we were expecting. Arsenal fans may be a little miffed again. David Raya went bananas while Nick Woltemade was celebrating as he thought the German pushed Gabriel before meeting the cross. There are definitely hands on the Brazilian, but he goes down as if he has been sniped from the terraces. I say no foul, but the Gunners will feel aggrieved. Football, eh? It's a cruel old game. Arsenal have been battering Newcastle all game, but it's the Geordies who take the lead. The big man Nick Woltemade sends St. James' Park into a frenzy as he nods into the corner from a lovely cross. That's why they paid the big bucks for the lad. Save, after save, after save. I'm not sure what Nick Pope had for breakfast this morning, but it has fuelled him to become a saving machine. This stop is much more straightforward as he denies Bukayo Saka from a tight angle, but he still has to make it. The bloke is being peppered like a bowl of pasta at an Italian restaurant. Another huge save from Nick Pope to deny Eberechi Eze. If it weren't for the goalkeeper, Newcastle would be out of this game, and Arsenal would be cruising. Once again, he flies across to get a big hand to a stinging Eze shot, and the Geordies survive. He probably made that save in anger after Riccardo Calafiori nicked his towel moments earlier to dry the ball for a throw-in. You can't do that and he got a telling off from a referee. There is a goal coming here, you can feel it. Arsenal have put that penalty farce behind them and are continually bashing at that door. Soon it will come down. Eberechi Eze yet again has a dig, but there is a huge block to stop it from hitting the target. Wow, what a move that is! It's champagne football from Arsenal, and I have no idea how they are not ahead here. The Gunners shift the ball from left to right beautifully, and eventually Declan Rice slides in Leandro Trossard. I hover over the goal button, thinking the net is about to ripple, but the Belgian smashes the ball back off the post. So, so unlucky. Oh. .. . that's a chance, a real chance. St. James' Park falls silent with nerves as Declan Rice's free-kick is glances across the box by Viktor Gyokeres. Riccardo Calafiori dives to meet it and you are thinking, 'oh hello, this could go in'. But his header flies just wide of the post. Close, but no cigar. That may just be the kind of decision that completely changes this game. St. James' Park is a cauldron of noise once again, and the Newcastle players are thriving off it. Arsenal need to try and ride out this period of the game. That's a joke. I'm sorry, I can't believe it. How this has been overturned for the smallest of touches from Nick Pope's boot is just silly. Mikel Arteta is laughing, but I'm sure inside he is absolutely fuming. Arsenal just can't catch a break with these decisions. Surely not? How is this even being checked. Jarred Gillett has been sent to the screen, and I can't believe it. They are saying Nick Pope has touched the ball, but its the smallest of touches that doesn't make any difference to the challenge. He's been sent to the screen. That is about as stonewall as you can get. Nick Pope rushes out and hacks down Viktor Gyokeres, and the referee points to the spot. Clear as day. It all comes from a huge Jacob Murphy brain fart as he passes through to Gyokeres to allow hm to race through. The Swede rounds Pope, and is then cleaned out. Penalty. It's wave after wave after wave of Newcastle attacks now. It's almost as if they know I am criticisng them and just start playing well to spite me. These things always seem to happen. A succession of corners come and go, though, and nothing from them. That's much, much better from Newcastle. They have finally woken up, and Nick Woltemade starts the counter down the left-hand side. It's fair to say he has serious wheels for a big man. A decent move leads to a corner, which is then met by Malick Thiaw, but his header is comfortable for David Raya. This is more like the game we were expecting. Craig is right, Newcastle haven't started well here at all. Arsenal are playing like a team that have a point to prove after all the misery they have experienced here over the years. The Gunners are playing some lovely, lovely stuff. What a save from Nick Pope! I thought that was in from Eberechi Eze. I really thought that was in. So did he it seems, his hands are on his head in disbelief. The first chance of the game falls to the Arsenal man as Jurrien Timber's cross is deflected into his path. The midfielder drills the ball toward the bottom corner, and Nick Pope does incredibly well to tip it past the post at full stretch. Top goalkeeping. It looks like Newcastle are playing a back four. Dan Burn is out on the left while Jacob Murphy is on the right and high up the pitch. I must say, I'm surprised given that we have not seen Burn play at left-back for quite some time. A bit of a risk considering he is up against Bukayo Saka, no? It has taken 54 seconds for Joelinton to commit a foul. Bukayo Saka skips away from the Brazilian, so he just hacks him to the ground. How long until he gets a yellow? My guess is 16 minutes. The huddles have been had, the players take to their positions, and the music has subsided. The whistle is blown, and there is an enormous roar from all four stands. And. .. we have a false start. Don't see that too often. But finally, we are now underway. St. James' Park is at it again. Every time I cover a big game at this venue, I am astounded by just how loud the noise these fans generate. This place is absolutely bouncing as the two teams emerge from the tunnel. The roar is almost deafening. Arsenal know they are walking into a bear pit, and they will have to try and do what Barcelona did here a couple of weeks ago and ride out the first few minutes. If they can quieten the crowd, three points may be in the cards, but if they can't, you know what will happen. Either way, let's just hope we get a cracker. Right guys, it's time to get excited. The warm-ups are over, and both managers will be giving their final instructions to their respective teams as I type this. I imagine they are saying: 'Just go and blooming win'. Well, something along those lines - maybe slightly more complicated. It's nearly go-time. Eddie Howe, Newcastle manager, speaking on Sky Sports: A bit early for this sign, isn't it? Actually, where are my manners? Happy birthday, kid. I hope you have a belter. I'm sure he is desperate for his beloved Magpies to give him the perfect day by picking up three points. Then he can truly celebrate. And you never know, maybe he will get a shirt as a present after it all. I don't imagine he will get one now, though. .. for obvious reasons. Chris Sutton, former Chelsea striker, on BBC Sport: Aston Villa's season is up and running. Elsewhere today, Villa hosted Fulham in the early kick-off, looking to finally secure their first win of the season. Before the game, they had only scored one league goal in five games, and had looked nothing like the side Unai Emery has led in Europe the last few seasons. But today, they rediscovered their form. The Villans finally found their goalscoring touch again, coming from a goal down against Fulham to win 3-1. They needed that. Today could be one to remember for Bukayo Saka. .. With 54 goals and 45 assists, Bukayo Saka is one goal involvement away from becoming the eighth player to reach 100 for Arsenal in the Premier League. Aged 24 years and 23 days on the day of this game, he would be the second youngest to reach this milestone for the Gunners after Cesc Fàbregas in 2010. I mean, it's a pretty crazy record. Saka has already done so much in such a short career; he is easily one of the best attackers in the Premier League. Not quite the best yet, but there is no reason he can't be in a few years. If he is at his best today, Newcastle will be in for a long afternoon. Arsenal usually do love playing away from home. Arsenal have lost just one of their last 16 Premier League away games, winning eight of those matches. However, this did come last time out at Liverpool. Only twice since May 2022 have the Gunners lost consecutive league games on the road, with the second defeat both times coming at Newcastle (May 2022 and November 2024). With their biggest rivals Liverpool losing yesterday, Mikel Arteta simply can't afford to slip up once again. It feels like a must-win game for them. Mikel Arteta, Arsenal boss, on why William Saliba is not starting: One player I am excited to watch today is Nick Woltemade. I only caught a brief glimpse of the big man when reporting on Newcastle's game with Barcelona, but that was only a cameo, and I couldn't make much of it. Well, that's the only time I have reported on him as a Newcastle player anyway. I covered the Under-21 Euros final, and he played in that. I thought he was decent that day, but his performance wasn't at the level of what many have told me it can be. He is up for a very tough afternoon against Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel, but these are the types of games where you can show why Newcastle paid the big money. The Geordies really need to start scoring goals again, and Woltemade needs to be the man banging them in. Can he bag one today? Guys, I wouldn't expect a lot of goals today. History shows that these two sides don't exactly give much away at the back. In fact, they almost give nothing away whatsoever. Newcastle have kept four clean sheets in their five Premier League games this season, conceding only in their 3-2 defeat to Liverpool. The Magpies have also failed to score in three of their five league games so far; they have been one of the dullest teams to watch in the division, if not the dullest. Meanwhile, Arsenal themselves have only conceded twice this season, once against Liverpool and once against Manchester City. So yeah, I wouldn't get too excited. It's either going to be a 1-0 win to either side, or maybe even a 0-0. I'm not exactly helping sell this game, am I? Harry Redknapp, former Tottenham manager, speaking to Bet Victor: Nobody can criticise Mikel Arteta for pragmatism today. .. Last week the Arsenal manager was berated by pundits and fans alike for picking a rather reserved team when Manchester City came to town. They really came for him. I mean, I was a bit confused by some of the choices, and they clearly didn't work with how the game played out. So, Arteta has seemingly listened to his critics and is going all guns blazing today. Eberechi Eze is in from the start, and not on the wing this time as he plays in the attacking midfield role. Mikel Merino is the man who is sacrificed. It's the sort of team that can rock up to St. James' Park and dominate. Yep, I do mean that. If this side clicks, it could cause the Magpies all sorts of problems. I'm excited to see how they fare. Tim Krul, former Newcastle goalkeeper, speaking on Radio 5 Live: Well, I have to say, I'm a little shocked. William Saliba has just signed a brand spanking new contract and is back from injury, so you'd just expect it to be a given that he would start here today. But nope, he is on the bench. Perhaps it's because Cristhian Mosquera has been solid and they want to ease Saliba back into the team. I mean, other than that, I can't see any other reason why he would be dropped. The Frenchman played at Port Vale in midweek and it didn't look like he picked up a knock or anything. I'm interested to see what Arteta says on it. Oooooh, now this is interesting. William Saliba has been dropped by Mikel Arteta following Arsenal's midweek win over Port Vale. Cristhian Mosquera keeps his place, and Gabriel comes in to replace the Frenchman. Surprising. Meanwhile, Martin Odegaard is back on the bench and Eberechi Eze is in the hole behind Viktor Gyokeres. A very attacking team. Yep, they are all starting! I knew that Nick Woltemade, Joelinton, and Bruno Guimaraes were happy for a reason. They are, of course, all involved from the start. Eddie Howe is going pretty defensive, starting five at the back just like he did at Bournemouth last week. Anthony Gordon comes in, and Jacob Murphy moving to wing back role. Good. Vibes. Only. Look at all the smiles as Newcastle arrive at St. James' Park ahead of this mammoth clash. You love to see it. You wouldn't guess that Newcastle are about to face off with Arsenal based on these pictures, would you? The players don't looked stressed or nervous whatsoever. I imagine that Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes, and Nick Woltemade all know they are starting, going by the smiles, but we will have to wait and see. Team news is imminent. Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager, speaking on Friday: On the atmosphere at St. James' Park: St. James' Park is the stuff of nightmares for Arsenal. I'm pretty sure Mikel Arteta will have had sleepless nights in the lead-up to this game because of how much they have struggled there over the years. If he has bags under his eyes today, you'll all know why. Under Arteta, Arsenal have only lost more away games at Manchester City in all competitions than they have away to Newcastle. Yep, he really does hate it here. Newcastle have won each of their last three home games against the Gunners in all competitions without conceding a single goal, while they last won four in a row at home to the Gunners in August 1969. Can the Gunners break that run today? I love this period before a big game. You know, when the stadium is dead calm and the only people pottering about are stewards before the fans arrive. It's just so peaceful. I think you really appreciate it because you know that in a couple of hours your ears will be ringing and you will barely be able to hear yourself think. Well, we are in that very period now at St. James' Park. The place is so, so quiet. Barely anyone is here. That will all change come 4. 30pm, though. There is a reason Arsenal fans have woken up feeling giddy today. Nope, it's not just because their side are in action today, but rather because of a certain result regarding their biggest title rivals. Yesterday, champions and leaders Liverpool hit their first roadblock of the season. And that roadblock was Crystal Palace. The story of the season has been the Reds and their late winners, and they looked like they had pulled it off again with a late leveller after being behind for the majority of the game at Selhurst Park. But no, Crystal Palace do to the Reds what they have done to so many by scoring with the very last kick of the game. Eddie Nketiah swept home in the eighth minute of stoppage time, and I'm pretty sure you could hear the cheers from North London while sitting inside Selhurst Park. The former Gunner has given Arsenal a chance to close in on the Reds. 'The wolf pack's starin' at you, they'll be comin' for you. ' If I were in the Arsenal dressing room today, I would be wacking on that punk rock song by The Offspring. It's surely the tone they want to strike today. With Liverpool having dropped points for the first time this season yesterday, losing to Crystal Palace, this is the perfect opportunity for Arsenal to close the gap at the top to two points. Just like the song suggests, they are coming for the Reds. Closing the gap is easier said than done, mind. The Gunners have possibly one of the worst fixtures they could have in front of them this afternoon: Newcastle away. St. James' Park has chewed up and spat out this Gunners side plenty of times in the past, and I wouldn't be stunned if it did so again this afternoon. The Magpies just love playing Mikel Arteta's side. I am incredibly hyped for this game, not because I am expecting a goal-fest or anything, but rather because I know it's just going to be a dogfight. A proper scrap. A ruffle and tussle. The next few hours are going to be a rollercoaster. Get yourselves comfy, grab a cuppa, strap in, and get ready for one hell of a ride. It's time to get groovy. Ref on a mission to help Newcastle. .

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