Gabriel scored deep into stoppage time to complete a dramatic Arsenal comeback as they edged Newcastle 2-1 at St James’ Park.
The Brazilian defender rose highest to meet Declan Rice’s corner in the 96th minute, sparking wild celebrations from Mikel Arteta and his coaching staff on the touchline.
Earlier, Nick Woltemade had put Newcastle ahead with a towering header from Sandro Tonali’s cross, before substitute Mikel Merino’s glancing effort bounced in off the post to haul Arsenal level late on.
The victory pulls Arsenal within two points of Premier League leaders Liverpool, while Newcastle were left devastated after seeing another result slip away at the death.
Arsenal had lost their last three visits to St James’ Park in all competitions and once again faced a ferocious atmosphere.
Nick Pope was outstanding for the hosts, denying volleys from Eberechi Eze, a close-range header from Jurrien Timber, and tipping Bukayo Saka’s angled strike wide.
Leandro Trossard also struck the bar as frustration grew.
Arteta’s side, though, have shown a knack for late drama in recent weeks—rescued by goals from substitutes against Athletic Club and Manchester City—and Merino’s equaliser underlined that resilience.
But rather than settle for a point, the Gunners pressed on and were rewarded when Gabriel glanced in Rice’s near-post delivery to seal the turnaround.
For Newcastle, it was déjà vu. After conceding a late winner to Liverpool last month, they were once again undone in stoppage time.
Woltemade’s opener had highlighted Newcastle’s set-piece threat—Tonali and Anthony Gordon combined smartly before the Italian’s cross was powered home by the £69m summer signing.
The German striker, who now has two goals in three games, received a rousing ovation when subbed off midway through the second half.
But the mood soured after Tino Livramento left on a stretcher with an injury, and Newcastle, previously solid from dead-ball situations this season, ultimately collapsed under Arsenal’s set-piece pressure.
For Eddie Howe’s side, it was another harsh reminder of how fine the margins can be at the top level.
