Back in Tyne: Five memorable matches against Arsenal

Magic Matt seals comeback win (2017/18)

Matt Ritchie was the hero for the Magpies as Newcastle came from behind to seal a 2-1 victory at St. James' Park, ending a ten-game losing streak against the Gunners.

Alexandre Lacazette's strike gave the Gunners a brief lead before the Magpies replied before half-time through Ayoze Pérez's delicate finish at the near post.

United took the lead midway through the second half as Ritchie latched onto Pérez's neat flick-on before firing past goalkeeper Petr Čech in front of the Gallowgate End.

The Scot's strike helped secure a fourth successive league victory as well as passing the 40-point mark on their way towards a top-ten finish.

THAT comeback (2010/11)

A game that will live long in the memory of Newcastle supporters as the Magpies incredibly came from four goals down to salvage an unforgettable 4-4 draw at St. James' Park.

All of Arsenal's four goals were netted inside the opening 26 minutes, with Theo Walcott opening the scoring after 44 seconds before Johan Djourou's header and Robin van Persie's strike put the Gunners three goals ahead after ten minutes.

The Dutch forward netted a close-range header to extend Arsenal's advantage before the break but Abou Diaby's red card shortly after the restart proved a key turning point in the match.

In the final 22 minutes, Barton's two converted penalties, either side of Leon Best's strike, set up a frantic finish before Cheick Tioté's sensational 20-yard volley in the dying stages saw the home supporters erupt with joy.

 

Shearer's sensational free-kick in final day classic (1999/00)

Alan Shearer scored the 300th goal of his career as Newcastle claimed a 4-2 win against the 1999/00 Premier League runners-up on the final day of the season.

Gary Speed's opener was immediately cancelled out by Nigerian forward Kanu before Shearer restored United's lead with a sublime free-kick from distance in front of the Leazes End.

Despite Stefan Malz's equaliser for Arsène Wenger's side, two goals in four second half minutes from the Magpies, courtesy of Speed and Magpies defender Andy O'Brien made sure of the three points, with Newcastle finishing the league campaign in 11th place on 52 points.

 

Happy New Year! (1995/96)

Newcastle began the new year in electric fashion following a 2-0 victory over the Gunners, with a ferocious start made to both halves.

With an Arsenal team including Dennis Bergkamp, Ian Wright and Tony Adams, the Magpies were hoping to quickly recover from a recent 2-0 loss at Manchester United, with the Red Devils closing the gap on the league leaders.

However, David Ginola's opener within the first 60 seconds got the hosts to an electric start before Les Ferdinand's strike two minutes after the restart secured a much-needed victory for the Premier League title challengers.

Despite opening up a 12-point lead over Manchester United in January, the Magpies were unable to deliver a maiden Premier League title, eventually missing out by four points to Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

 

Solano's superb strike (2005/06)

Nolberto Solano's late finish secured a tight 1-0 victory over Arsenal in a heated clash at St. James' Park.

After United's physical approach tormented an Arsenal side containing Thierry Henry, Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas, the away side were reduced to ten men in the second-half as Brazilian midfielder Gilberto Silva picked up two yellow cards.

And, with nine minutes left, United made their advantage count when Alan Shearer set up Solano, who fired a low finish beyond German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann.