'Wow, what a feeling!' - Mikel Arteta left giddy after late Arsenal win over Newcastle as he praises 'difficult' Magpies

Arteta spoke in his post-match interview on BBC Match of the Day about the emotion he felt in the late victory as Gabriel rose highest to head home in the 96th minute and earn his side the three points.

It may have taken until the very last to secure the win, but Arsenal were good value for the points. Arteta named an attacking line-up including a return to the side for Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, who were both involved in a lot of good play in a strong opening half hour by the visitors. Nick Pope would prove to be in inspired form, though, up until Arsenal turned the game around with a pair of late goals to win 2-1.

Arteta was left ecstatic at the victory, which brought Arsenal to within two points of leaders Liverpool, while star man and captain for the day Bukayo Saka criticised VAR’s decision to overturn a first-half penalty call on Viktor Gyokeres.

This was a tough test for Arsenal, no doubt. They had lost at St James’ Park on each of their last three visits and it was close to becoming a fourth in a row, without a single goal scored – until Merino and Gabriel had other ideas. It was two corners which would prove the difference, their 11th and 12th corners of the day, as the Gunners fought until the end.

They have a set of more favourable fixtures coming up and their perceived mixed start to the season is now looking a whole lot more impressive. With four points won late on in their last two fixtures and a host of new signings performing admirably in recent weeks, there is certainly cause for optimism as Arsenal seek a first Premier League title since 2004.

Newcastle made things tough for their visitors and Arteta paid respect to this at full-time. The Magpies have the tough task of balancing Champions League football with their league campaign this term and will be encouraged by the fact that record £69million ($92m) signing Nick Woltemade has already scored twice for his new club, putting his massive 6ft 6in frame to good use with clinical headed goals against the Gunners and Wolves – though his exploits would not be enough to secure a result on this occasion.

Arteta told BBC Match of the Day: "To win in the manner that we have done it, wow what a feeling! Football is about emotion and going through things and today we had a beautiful one at the end of the match."

On scoring from the 11th and 12th corners: "We generated so much from open play in various many ways. [Nick] Pope was incredible today, he denies us goals. Praise Newcastle for the team that they are, the way that they compete, how difficult they make it for you."

Arsenal’s blend of set-piece mastery and blossoming open-play creativity stands them in good stead as we enter the busy winter period of the season. A series of London derbies lie in wait, and it will be intriguing to see who leads the way at the top of the Premier League table come November.

For Arsenal and Arteta, it may be now or never. Previous excuses about striking options and injuries impacting squad depth are no longer there to fall back on. The Gunners’ mission this term is clear: win, or face increasing scrutiny from all angles. From the evidence thus far, they are on the right track.