Arsenal produced one of the most dramatic finishes of the Premier League season on Sunday, as Gabriel Magalhaes scored a 96th-minute winner to seal a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Newcastle United at St James’ Park. The Brazilian defender rose highest to meet Martin Odegaard’s corner, sparking wild celebrations among Mikel Arteta, his staff, and the travelling Arsenal supporters.
Softfootball reported that the game had been filled with controversy and tension. Newcastle looked set to snatch all three points when Nick Woltemade powered home a towering header past David Raya midway through the second half. The Magpies almost doubled their lead late on, only for Mikel Merino’s glancing header to strike the post.
Arsenal had already endured frustration earlier in the game, with referee Jarred Gillett overturning a penalty decision after Viktor Gyökeres appeared to be brought down by goalkeeper Nick Pope. Following a VAR review, the decision was reversed, with Gillett ruling that Pope had cleanly played the ball much to the anger of the Arsenal bench and travelling fans.
Despite the setbacks, Arsenal displayed their trademark resilience. Eric Garcia’s equaliser kept the Gunners alive before Gabriel rose in stoppage time to deliver a thunderous header that silenced the home crowd and kept the title race wide open. The victory means Arsenal remain two points behind league leaders Liverpool, while Newcastle were left stunned after what could have been a statement win at home.
Unsurprisingly, Arsenal fans flooded social media with ecstatic reactions after Gabriel’s last-minute heroics, and Softfootball has gathered some of them from X as seen below:
Arsenal fans were quick to share their emotions online after the dramatic win, with many highlighting the team’s mentality and refusal to settle for just a point. The sense of resilience and hunger for victory was a recurring theme across social media, as supporters praised the Gunners for pushing until the very last whistle. @E_Smith5050 wrote:
I love the fact that we didn’t waste time celebrating the equaliser instead the lads took their position , that’s winning the mentality GOYG.
The late winner didn’t just spark celebrations on the pitch, it sent Arsenal fans into a frenzy online. Many supporters felt Gabriel’s goal carried more weight than just three points, pointing to the adversity the team had to overcome on the night. From refereeing calls to VAR drama and the intensity of the St James’ Park crowd, fans were quick to underline the significance of the moment. @TheGunnersD3n commented:
Gabriel……. Wins it for Arsenal. common this is so significant, playing against the crowd, the Ref, VAR and #PGMOL #NEWARS.
Beyond the drama of Gabriel’s last-minute header, many Arsenal fans also praised the team’s hunger and mentality from the very first whistle. Supporters felt that the determination shown at St James’ Park not only secured three vital points but also proved Arsenal’s strength in depth and readiness for the title race. @kingsleyejims wrote:
The boys were eager to win as soon as kick-off commenced. The drive has earned the team 3 points, 2 points behind leaders Liverpool. The squad depth is key and enough to get going for the ambition. #ARSNEW Well-done @Arsenal.
Amid the euphoria of Gabriel’s dramatic winner, some Arsenal fans also voiced frustration at what they felt was poor officiating throughout the match. Many supporters argued that the Gunners had to overcome not just Newcastle, but also contentious refereeing decisions, making the victory even sweeter in their eyes. @kellyemax wrote:
What a goal, what a comeback, we are Arsenal. EPL and their bad officiating, shame on you.
Beyond the drama of the late winner, Arsenal supporters also took time to appreciate the team’s technical quality on the ball. Many fans highlighted the fluid passing and sharp link-up play around the edge of the box, praising it as a vital tool for breaking down stubborn defences. @mawakschinku wrote:
Some of the touches and combinations outside the box were sensational. Need them to unlock low blocks.
Amid the tension and drama, Arsenal’s resilience stood out just as much to their supporters as the result itself. Many fans felt a quiet confidence in the team’s mentality even after falling behind, convinced that the Gunners would find a way back into the game. @solomon_okedi commented:
I enjoyed this game a lot ngl. Even when the team was one goal down, I was certain that we weren’t gonna lose today.
For many Arsenal supporters, the late win over Newcastle wasn’t just about three points, it was another step in shaping the mentality of a side learning to balance quality with discipline. Fans believe avoiding costly individual mistakes could be the difference between falling short and achieving something special this season. @OPELA_NIC commented;
This season’s success may be tied to our ability to avoid personal errors, zubi against LFC and mosquera as NFC. This team is really building that winning character.
While many Arsenal fans celebrated Gabriel’s dramatic late winner, others took a more critical view of the performance, stressing that moments of luck cannot always be relied upon in the title race. Supporters pointed out the need for sharper finishing and greater urgency if the Gunners are to truly challenge for the Premier League crown. @mablacky_ wrote:
While we were lucky today, our players lack k!ller instinct to win matches. Sad to say we’re so comfortable playing casual football like it’s a training and like nothing is at stake. If we must win the league an improvement is needed and it’s very sacrosanct.
For Arsenal supporters, Sundays victory was not just a late win but a symbolic statement of fight and belief, as the Gunners continue to push Liverpool in what promises to be a gripping title race this season. Next, Gunners host Olympiakos in the Champions League on Wednesday and face West Ham at home in the Premier League on Saturday.
While, Newcastle travel to Brussels to take on Union Saint-Gilloise on Wednesday before welcoming Nottingham Forest to St James’ Park in the Premier League on 5 October.
