Arsenal produced a dramatic late winner at St James’ Park to keep the Premier League title race wide open, with Gary Neville believing it could prove a turning point in their season.
Gabriel rose highest deep into stoppage time to seal a 2-1 victory over Newcastle, sparking wild celebrations both on the pitch and in the away end. The goal completed a spirited fightback after Mikel Merino had levelled following Nick Woltemade’s early strike.
The result, combined with Liverpool’s defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday, means Arsenal are now just two points behind the reigning champions.
“So big for Arsenal, so big for Arteta,” Neville said on co-commentary, praising the Gunners for the intent they showed.
Gary Neville heaped the raise on Mikel Arteta's side
| XThe former Manchester United defender, who had criticised Arsenal for their cautious approach in last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City, admitted this performance marked a clear change.
“A week ago the glass was half empty, now it's more than half full,” he said. “Liverpool lose, Arsenal win in stunning fashion.
“They deserve it, they were the better football team. [Arteta] made really good subs, he started with a strong team. That will give them huge confidence.
“You shouldn't have swing weekends this early. But the Liverpool players sitting at home watching this will perhaps sink slightly.”
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The celebrations reflected just how much the win meant to Arteta’s players after three consecutive second-placed finishes. Neville captured the mood perfectly in the aftermath of Gabriel’s winner.
“It’s mayhem on the pitch and it’s mayhem up there [in the away section],” he said. “It feels huge. We’re in September. It shouldn’t do. But we’re talking about a team that haven’t shown intent. And they’ve gone and done it here at St James’ Park.
“Arteta — a week ago, the handbrake was on. And now the kitchen sink has been thrown at a game and it has come off for him!”
On his podcast later, Neville doubled down on his assessment, insisting the late strike was the product of Arsenal’s bold approach.
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Mikel Arteta changed his tactics from last week and Gary Neville praised him for it
| REUTERS“That felt big. When the first goal went in, you could sort of smell something. And there’s big questions being asked of Arsenal in the last week, but rightly so. And he’s changed today," he continued.
"He’ll play it down, will Mikel Arteta, we’ll hear him say they’ve done nothing differently, but his team selection at the start of the game is more positive.
“His substitutions were everything he could have thrown at the game. If you’re going to come off a football pitch, make sure you’ve used all your weapons, make sure you’ve used everything in your armoury, and you’ve done that.
“The reason you get the winner at the end is because of the intent. If they think they can win the league, they believe they should win every single match.”
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Neville argued that Arsenal’s depth gives them the edge over most rivals — even Liverpool.
“He’s got a brilliant squad. I think he’s got the best squad in the league and maybe are the best team in the league. I’ll say that quietly because Liverpool are excellent too.
“But only two teams can win this league: Liverpool or Arsenal.”
He added that Gabriel’s winner felt like more than just three points.
Liverpool losing their match this weekend brought Arsenal right back in to title contention
|REUTERS
“When I saw the first goal go in, I said, ‘big’, and I thought the second one was coming — I genuinely did. I thought I could feel that sort of something happening in the ground. Those Arsenal players did too and it did happen. And I think it’s a big moment. Look, it’s September, it’s ridiculous… it doesn’t start until March. But what you’ve got to do along the way is send out some calling cards," he continued.
“You’ve got to send out some clear messages that we’re here and we’re proper and that’s what I think Arsenal have done today.”