FOOTBALL – ARSENAL defender Gabriel headed a stoppage-time winner from a corner to secure his side a 2-1 Premier League victory over Newcastle United at St James’ Park yesterday and close the gap on leaders Liverpool to two points with a stunning late show.
Arsenal climbed to second place in the table with 13 points from six matches while Newcastle are in 15th with six points from the same number of games.
Newcastle took the lead in the 34th minute when Nick Woltemade rose highest to meet a cross from a short corner and head into the net after Arsenal defender Cristhian Mosquera had needlessly given away the set-piece with a miscued back-pass.
The visitors were frustrated as they wasted several opportunities, but netted twice late on as Mikel Merino glanced in a header in the 84th minute, before Gabriel found the winner in the 96th.
“Unbelievable, nothing better than a late winner in football. Speechless, I’m so happy,” Arsenal captain Bukayo Saka said.
It had been 84 minutes of pure frustration for Arsenal before they ended the game in jubilation, as they were denied by excellent saves from goalkeeper Nick Pope, were wasteful in front of goal and were denied what looked a clear penalty.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa secured their first Premier League win of the season as Ollie Watkins snapped his scoring drought to inspire a 3-1 comeback victory at home to Fulham.
When Raul Jimenez headed Fulham in front from Sasa Lukic’s corner it looked like being another day of frustration for Unai Emery’s misfiring side but Watkins lifted the mood. The England forward, without a goal in any competition this season, was sent clear by Lucas Digne in the 37th minute and he took a silky touch before flicking a finish over Bernd Leno.
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