Newcastle United 1-2 Arsenal Player Ratings: Magalhaes Rated 9/10 as Gabriel's Late Header Seals Dramatic 2-1 Comeback

What a chaotic and thrilling finish at St. James' Park. From our perspective, this was a classic Premier League encounter that had everything. Newcastle United looked to have executed a perfect game plan, frustrating the visitors and taking a deserved first-half lead through a brilliant header. They defended with their lives, and it felt like it just wasn't going to be Arsenal's day.

The Gunners were relentless in their pressure, especially in the second half. They hit the post, forced some world-class saves, and just couldn't find a way through Newcastle's black and white wall. But football is a funny old game. The substitutions from Mikel Arteta proved decisive, with Mikel Merino nodding in an equalizer to change the entire complexion of the match.

Just when a draw seemed inevitable, a late corner produced the ultimate drama. Gabriel Magalhães, who had been a rock at the back all game, rose highest to head home the winner in stoppage time. It was a cruel blow for the home side who fought so hard, but a testament to Arsenal's never-say-die attitude. A truly breathtaking end to the game.

Here are Newcastle United Vs Arsenal Player Ratings

Arsenal Player Ratings vs Newcastle United

Here are Arsenal Player Ratings vs Newcastle United

Goalkeeper

David Raya - 6.5: Couldn't do much about the well-placed header from Woltemade. He made a couple of important saves, particularly one from Anthony Gordon in the first half. Distribution was a bit mixed, with only 50% pass accuracy, but he was solid when called upon. Wasn't overly tested but did what he needed to.

Defenders

Cristhian Mosquera - 5.0: A really tough first half for the defender. He seemed a little off the pace and was hooked at halftime. Only 28 touches in 45 minutes tells its own story. Not his best day, and the substitution felt necessary to sure things up. We expect he'll bounce back from this.

Gabriel Magalhães - 9.0: What an absolute monster of a performance. Man of the Match, without a doubt. He was colossal at the back, winning 11 of his 15 duels and making a staggering 9 clearances. He then popped up with the dramatic winning goal in stoppage time. From our perspective, this was a complete central defensive performance, capped off with the ultimate glory.

Jurriën Timber - 7.0: A very busy and involved performance. He won a high number of his duels (8) and created three chances for his teammates. However, he also lost possession 12 times which put his team under pressure occasionally. A dynamic but slightly raw display. There's so much potential there.

Riccardo Calafiori - 6.0: A mixed bag. He got forward and created a chance but also picked up a booking for a clumsy foul. Missed a headed opportunity in the first half that he might feel he could have done better with. Was substituted after 70 minutes having put in a decent shift without setting the world alight.

Midfielders

Bukayo Saka - 6.5: The captain looked lively and was always trying to make things happen. He drew fouls and completed most of his dribbles. However, he was well-marshalled by the Newcastle defence and lost possession a frustrating 17 times. A decent effort but not his most influential game before being substituted.

Eberechi Eze - 7.5: Looked like one of Arsenal's most likely sources for a goal. He had four shots, with two on target forcing excellent saves from Nick Pope. He was constantly looking for the ball and trying to drive at the defence. A very positive and dangerous performance, just lacked the final product.

Leandro Trossard - 6.5: So incredibly unlucky to see his first-half shot cannon back off the post. On another day that goes in and it's a different story. Beyond that moment, he was a bit on the periphery of the game. He worked hard but struggled to find space against a compact defence.

Martín Zubimendi - 7.5: A very tidy and controlled performance in the heart of midfield. His 90% pass accuracy kept Arsenal ticking over, and he was crucial in recycling possession. He also created two chances before being subbed. A disciplined and intelligent display that laid the groundwork for the late surge.

Declan Rice - 8.5: A titan in midfield. He had 105 touches, which shows how influential he was on the game. He provided the superb cross for the equalising goal and was a constant presence both defensively and offensively. He won most of his duels and just dominated the middle of the park. A fantastic performance.

Forwards

Viktor Gyökeres - 7.0: A frustrating but ultimately effective performance. He was a real handful for the Newcastle defenders all game, getting off 6 shots. However, his finishing was wayward, with only one hitting the target. He battled hard, created two chances, but will be disappointed not to have scored himself.

Substitutes

Mikel Merino - 8.0: What an impact. Came on and completely changed the game, scoring the vital equalising goal with a great header. His introduction gave Arsenal the belief they could turn it around. A game-changing substitution.

William Saliba - 7.0: Replaced Mosquera at half-time and immediately made the defence look more secure. Calm and composed on the ball, he helped Arsenal control the second half.

Manager

M. Arteta - 8.0: His team looked frustrated for 80 minutes, but he deserves immense credit. His substitutions were spot on, particularly the introduction of Mikel Merino. He kept his team believing, and they snatched a victory from the jaws of a potential defeat. A tactical masterclass in the end.

Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Arsenal

Here are Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Arsenal

Goalkeeper

Nick Pope - 8.0: He deserved so much more from this game. Pope was outstanding, making five saves, all from inside the box. He kept his team ahead with a series of brilliant stops and commanded his area well. He can't be faulted for either of the goals. A superb, yet heartbreaking, performance.

Defenders

Sven Botman - 7.5: A warrior's performance. He threw his body on the line, making 10 clearances and blocking three shots. He was a huge reason why Arsenal struggled for so long to find a breakthrough. Won most of his aerial duels and was a rock at the heart of the defence.

Malick Thiaw - 7.0: Formed a strong partnership with Botman. He made 7 clearances and won all of his tackles. He had a header saved in the first half from a set-piece. A really solid and committed defensive display that was undone right at the death.

Tino Livramento - 6.5: A decent performance before he was sadly forced off with an injury. He was diligent in his defensive duties and recovered the ball six times. Looked comfortable and composed until his unfortunate departure. Newcastle missed his presence after he went off.

Dan Burn - 4.5: What stood out to us was his struggle throughout the match. He had a torrid time, losing possession a shocking 26 times and being dribbled past on three occasions. He battled hard, as he always does, but he was a clear weak link and his late yellow card summed up a difficult evening.

Midfielders

Joelinton - 5.5: A frustrating performance. He worked tirelessly and made some important interceptions, but he was so wasteful in possession, giving the ball away 13 times. He was booked for a cynical foul and just couldn't provide the quality needed in midfield. All effort, little end product.

Sandro Tonali - 7.5: He was excellent before he had to manage an injury concern. His delivery for Woltemade's goal was absolute perfection. He created three chances in total and his set-pieces were a constant threat. The team lost a lot of its creative spark when he was less mobile.

Bruno Guimarães - 6.0: The captain fought a losing battle in midfield. He won a decent number of duels and drew fouls, but he was often overrun by Arsenal's midfield trio. He couldn't get on the ball enough to dictate play, with only 36 touches. A battling display but ultimately outclassed.

Forwards

Anthony Gordon - 6.5: Looked like Newcastle's biggest threat in open play. His pace caused problems and he forced a good save from Raya in the first half. He worked hard defensively but faded from the game before being substituted. A bright spark in attack.

Jacob Murphy - 5.0: A very anonymous performance. He only had 15 touches in 66 minutes and offered very little going forward. The game completely passed him by. It was no surprise to see him substituted early in the second half.

Nick Woltemade - 7.0: The dream start for the forward. He took his goal brilliantly with a powerful and precise header. He was a nuisance in the first half but faded significantly after the break, struggling to get involved. Still, he got his goal and did his job.

Substitutes

Jamaal Lascelles - 6.0: Came on for the injured Livramento and slotted into the defence. Made a crucial block late on but was part of the defence that finally crumbled.

Manager

E. Howe - 6.5: For 80 minutes, his game plan was perfect. His team was organised, resilient, and clinical from a set-piece. They frustrated a top side and were moments away from a massive result. The late collapse is devastating, and perhaps he could have made changes to stem the tide, but it's hard to fault the initial strategy.

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