Late Arsenal goal sparks ugly flashpoint with Newcastle United star

Last Updated on 29 September 2025

Arsenal left it late to snatch all three points at St James’ Park but the drama didn’t end with Gabriels’ 96th-minute winner.

The Gunners’ last-gasp victory was marred by a furious clash at the final whistle, as tempers flared between Newcastle United’s Joelinton and Arsenal’s backroom staff.

What began as a tense, bruising encounter on the pitch ended with a heated confrontation off it. Both sets of players and coaches were drawn into the spotlight right at the end.

Joelinton clashes with Arsenal staff after late winner

The match had already been littered with flashpoints before Gabriel rose highest to head home a corner in the dying seconds.

Joelinton, at the heart of Newcastle’s physical approach, had flirted with dismissal earlier in the game. He escaped a sending off despite a series of aggressive challenges from the Brazilian and sarcastic dissent.

But the real fireworks came after the full-time whistle, according to the Mirror. Arsenal assistant coach Miguel Molina was seen confronting Joelinton. That prompted the Brazilian midfielder to shove him away and point a finger angrily in his face.

Mikel Arteta was forced to intervene. He dragged Molina aside before attempting to defuse the situation with a handshake but Joelinton’s frustration only seemed to intensify.

Arsenal cut the gap to two points on Liverpool but VAR controversy sparks outrage

Gabriel’s late winner didn’t just kick-off a fight at St James Park. It also soured the mood at Anfield, as Arsenal cut Liverpool’s five-point lead to only two points.

The Reds lost to Crystal Palace, also in the dying embers, at Selhurst Park, with former Arsenal youngster, Eddie Nketiah scoring the winner.

That opens up the title race as many feared Liverpool might just run away with the title, again, after establishing an early five point lead.

However, VAR controversy from the Arsenal-Newcastle game has stolen the limelight from an entertaining Premier League weekend, once again.

Gabriel, the matchwinner for Arsenal, was central to the drama. He got away with an off-the-ball incident involving Newcastle striker, Nick Woltemade. The Brazilian also handled the ball late in stoppage time, escaping punishment, just before crashing in the winner.

This showcases the PGMOL still has a lot to fix in a system that seems to disrupt more than help.