SMASH AND GAB

MIKEL ARTETA celebrated as if they had won the title.

- BY JOHN CROSS

And this will give Arsenal the belief that they might just do it this season.

It was a statement victory not just because of the result but also how they showed incredible character to fight until the end.

They simply refused to give up.

This was about guts, mentality and sending out a message to title favourites Liverpool. Arteta's men did all three at St James' Park.

Naturally, they got their win with two goals from set-pieces and have now scored 36 from corners since the start of the 2023-24 season, which is way more than any of their rivals.

Supersub Mikel Merino equalised after 84 minutes and then Brazil defender Gabriel nicked the winner in the 96th minute.

Make no mistake, Arsenal would have lost this game last season as, after their stuttering start, they have closed the gap to two points on Liverpool.