WE. NEVER. GIVE. UP

September 28, 2025  St James’ Park, Newcastle

The death of academy forward Billy Vigar (2003–2025) cast a pall over the squad. For supporters, memories of Reyes and Rocastle resurfaced — gifted players taken far too soon.

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Against Newcastle, history weighed black and white: four home wins in their last five against Arsenal — an unusual dominance, and a challenge to be broken.

The match began and Arsenal struck first. Five minutes in, Gyökeres flicked on to Eberechi Eze, who forced Pope into a sharp save. Then controversy. On 13 minutes, Saka hounded Murphy into a poor back-pass. Gyökeres rounded Pope and was tripped. The referee, Jared Gillett, pointed to the spot, only for VAR to intervene. Four long minutes later the decision was overturned — Pope, they said, had brushed the ball. Arteta applauded ironically.

The frustration only sharpened their play. In the 24th minute, Saka drove inside and released Rice, who slid the ball into Trossard. The Belgian’s shot cannoned off the post with Pope beaten. At 27 minutes, Gillett stopped Calafiori from drying the ball before a throw-in, provoking smirks and jeers. Almost immediately, Eze struck from distance, Pope again equal. Eze, operating centrally for the first time, was inventive and assured.

But football punishes lapses. In the 34th minute, a needless corner was conceded. Tonali swung it in, and Woltemade, towering above Gabriel, headed Newcastle in front. The Gallowgate roared; Arsenal went in at the break trailing.

Arteta began the second half bringing on Saliba for Mosquera. Newcastle threatened again — Woltemade rattling the crossbar, Joelinton dragging wide. On 67 minutes, Howe withdrew Woltemade to a standing ovation, reshaping into a back five. 

Arsenal scented opportunity. On came Martinelli, Merino and Ødegaard.

The impact was immediate. In the 84th minute, a corner worked short between Ødegaard and Rice. The captain curled in the cross; Merino rose highest. His header skimmed the post and rippled the net. Justice, poetic: a former Magpie levelling for Arsenal.

Then, the moment destined for memory. Deep in stoppage time, another corner. Ødegaard delivered. Gabriel Magalhães, bullied for the opener, climbed into the night sky. His header thundered home in the 96th minute. He wheeled away, finger to lips, silencing St James’ Park.

Newcastle 1 – 2 Arsenal

 (N. Woltemade ‘34, M. Merino ‘84, G. Magalhães ‘90 +6)