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Arsenal was able to repeat what Liverpool did at St James' Park earlier this season after Mikel Arteta was left fuming about a series of refereeing decisions that he felt went against his side at Newcastle.
Mikel Merino scored an equalizer to cancel out Nick Woltemade's opener and Arsenal was then able to force a win over the line thanks to a Gabriel header in stoppage time. The Gunners are now two points behind Liverpool with six games having been played - and Gary Neville admitted it felt an "absolutely huge" moment in the title race.
Liverpool missed the chance to move eight points clear on Saturday with Arne Slot's team losing late on at Crystal Palace. But the Reds won late against Newcastle a few weeks ago through Rio Ngumoha.
"It is mayhem on the pitch and it is mayhem up there [in the stands]," Gary Neville said on Sky Sports commentary. "That feels absolutely huge. We are in September and it shouldn't do!
"We are talking about a team who haven't shown intent and don't seem to take risks, but they have done it here. It is their trusted corners!
"A week ago, the handbrake was on. Now, the kitchen sink has been thrown at a game and it has come off for Mikel Arteta."
The late goal was another heartbreaker for Newcastle and Pat Nevin, on BBC Radio 5Live made the point that they didn't deserve to come away with nothing.
"The work rate and effort from Newcastle's players..." he said. "It was one of them when they came out more defensive in the second half — I thought maybe Eddie Howe knew they couldn't keep up that level of effort.
"It is going to tell Arsenal that come the end of the season, they will be right there or there about. You don't lose that spirit overnight. But for Newcastle, don't be too downhearted because the league table looks a bit harsh on them at the moment."
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"Incredible game. Premier League at its best. It had absolutely everything," Jamie Redknapp said on Sky Sports.
"Newcastle will be heartbroken. I thought Arsenal first half were magnificent, they lost their way for 20 minutes in the second half, but then they started to get into the ascendancy."
Liverpool.com says: Heading into this weekend, it felt like it could be a big one. Arsenal showed some huge strength to close the gap at the top and played well at Newcastle, but there is still a long way to go.
Arsenal could move above Liverpool in the Premier League table next Saturday before the Reds kick off against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The Gunners host West Ham United in the kick-off slot before Liverpool takes to the field.
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