LONDON: Arsenal proved their determination to become champions by beating Newcastle 2-1, said manager Mikel Arteta after two late goals secured a crucial victory at St James’ Park early this morning.
Nick Woltemade put Newcastle ahead in the first half, but Arsenal’s dramatic comeback came when Mikel Merino headed in an 84th-minute equaliser before Gabriel Magalhaes secured all three points with a stoppage-time goal (96th minute).
The victory came a day after Liverpool suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of Crystal Palace, lifting Arsenal to second place in the Premier League, just two points behind the defending champions.
Arteta said his squad had shown signs of being able to move “to the next level” in their quest for a first title since 2004.
“We talked about how to get to the next level, you have to learn from the past. We’ve been through tough times in this stadium, but today is an opportunity to show who we are, who we want to be, and how we want to play,” said Arteta.
Arsenal ended a run of three consecutive defeats at St James’ Park, silencing critics after failing to beat Liverpool and Manchester City earlier in the season.
For Newcastle, old wounds are bleeding again after previously losing 3-2 to Liverpool thanks to a 100th-minute goal.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe admits his side have yet to achieve the success they achieved last season when they won the League Cup and qualified for the Champions League.
“Two late goals at home really hurt. There was no lack of effort, but in terms of playing football we weren’t at our best,” Howe said.