Arsenal rally to beat Newcastle 2-1 as Gabriel heads late winner

Arsenal came from behind to beat Newcastle United 2-1 at St James Park on Sunday, a late headed goal from Gabriel securing a comeback win that preserved the club's momentum as it pursues the Premier League title. The result, coupled with other weekend outcomes, moved Arsenal closer to the top of the table and intensified scrutiny of manager Mikel Arteta's selection and tactical choices ahead of a busy schedule.

The victory arrived after a tense match in front of an electric home crowd that Arteta had warned his players about in the build-up. He said the fixture required greater efficiency and control than Arsenal have shown on recent trips to St James Park and described the stadium as one of the best atmospheres in the country. The manager also confirmed a late fitness test for captain Martin Odegaard, who had missed several matches with a shoulder injury, while Bukayo Saka, who returned to the starting line-up in the Carabao Cup, was expected to keep his place. Noni Madueke and Kai Havertz remained sidelined with knee problems.

Pundits debated Arteta's likely lineup, with former player Paul Merson suggesting Eberechi Eze could be left on the bench despite his ability to create...