Bukayo Saka believes Arsenal delivered "a big statement" after coming from behind to snatch a dramatic 2-1 victory at St James’ Park.
The Gunners looked set for another frustrating afternoon on Tyneside, courtesy of Nick Woltemade's second goal since arriving on Tyneside.
Former Newcastle midfielder Mikel Merino scored a towering header to equalise for Mikel Arteta's side, before Gabriel headed in a dramatic 96th-minute winner, which snapped Arsenal’s run of three consecutive defeats at St James' Park.
Saka, captaining the side in Martin Odegaard's absence, insisted the win underlined the character within Arteta's squad.
"It was a big result," he told Arsenal media after the game.
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"We've come here in the past and results have gone against us, or decisions and stuff like that. It was starting to feel like that again today, but we have a big character, a big fight to turn it around, so we're really happy. We made a big statement today."
The 23-year-old winger admitted frustration at some of the decisions that went against Arsenal on the day, but praised the team’s determination to respond.
"Almost today, with the penalty and some of the decisions, and Nick Pope having an unbelievable game, but we dug in and we showed that character, that resilience we have, so I’m really proud of all the boys."
Saka, making his third appearance in a week as he continues his return from injury, said he relished wearing the armband and was delighted to be part of the post-goal celebrations.
"It was top, we had to run out to the corner flag and share the moment with Gabi! It’s a big moment for us as a team," he said.
"It's a beautiful feeling every time I get to wear the armband, and even better when we get three points."
The result lifts Arsenal further into the Premier League title race, with Saka convinced their resilience could prove decisive as the season unfolds.
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