Wayne Rooney has noticed something ‘different’ at Arsenal as ‘massive’ claim made
Arsenal’s victory at Newcastle may have made a huge impact on the Premier League title race.
The Gunners came from a goal down to snatch a dramatic late victory at St James’ Park thanks to goals from Mikel Merino and Gabriel.
Arsenal were denied a penalty in the first half when Viktor Gyokeres went down following a challenge from goalkeeper Nick Pope, but after a VAR review, the referee overturned his original decision of a spot kick.
Declan Rice starred for Arsenal against Newcastle in midfield, whilst Cristian Mosquera was substituted at half-time for William Saliba following a difficult first half, but the Gunners found a way to win and reduce the gap on Liverpool at the top of the table to two points.
Arsenal make Premier League title statement with Newcastle victory
Arsenal have struggled at Newcastle in recent seasons, with this being only their second win in six trips to St James’ Park.
Nick Woltemade’s first half header looked to have given the Toon three points, but the Gunners rallied back to clinch what could prove to be a crucial victory.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the former Man United striker believes the manner of the win will be “massive” for Arsenal.
“Massive, I think and I think over the last couple of years with Arsenal you know there’s been things which have happened at St James’ Park and they haven’t like quite got to grips or they haven’t come away with a point,” Rooney said.
“I think this is massive. If you walk into the training ground on Monday morning, Tuesday morning if they have a day off that is, I think every Arsenal player there heads will be high, they’d be really confident.
“I think this is a different Arsenal, I think the mentality is good, I think they’re a strong minded team, they’ve got good characters in there and to win the Premier League you have to overcome challenges.”
| Possession | 63% |
| Total Shots | 20 |
| Shots on Target | 7 |
| Big Chances | 4 |
| Expected Goals | 2.05 |
Arsenal have come second in each of the last three Premier League seasons, with Mikel Arteta looking to win just his second piece of major silverware at the club as manager.
Arsenal following Liverpool trend
Gabriel’s header was the Gunners’ second-latest winning goal away from home in the Premier League, and the second-latest Arsenal have trailed in a league match and gone on to win.
Whilst Liverpool have been renowned for scoring late goals this season, Arsenal have managed it twice in a row following Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage time equaliser against Man City.
In two of the toughest matches to navigate in a Premier League campaign, Arteta will be delighted at the character shown by his squad.
Arsenal could easily have lost both matches, instead they have picked up four points from losing positions and with it made a statement of intent.