Noni Madueke Sends One-Word Reaction After Gabriel Magalhaes Arsenal Heroics.

Noni Madueke delivered a simple but powerful reaction after Gabriel Magalhaes produced late heroics to fire Arsenal to a dramatic 2-1 win at Newcastle United. The Brazilian defender rose to the occasion at St James’ Park, heading home the winner in the closing stages of a tense contest.

For Arsenal, the result could prove pivotal in the Premier League title race.Arsenal’s recent record at Newcastle had been far from encouraging, and when Nick Woltemade opened the scoring with a first-half header, it appeared the Gunners were heading toward another defeat in the North East. Yet, Mikel Arteta’s side showed resilience.

Substitute Mikel Merino equalized before Gabriel delivered the decisive moment, ensuring Arsenal capitalized on Liverpool’s slip-up at Crystal Palace.The victory came despite controversy earlier in the game. Arsenal were denied a penalty in the first half, a decision that frustrated Arteta and could have shifted the momentum earlier. Nevertheless, his players responded with character, especially in the second half where Arsenal dominated possession and restricted Newcastle to zero shots on target.

Watching from the sidelines due to injury, Madueke shared in the celebrations remotely. He took to social media immediately after the match, hailing Gabriel as a “monster” and posting an image of the centre-back celebrating the final whistle. Though ruled out for several weeks, Madueke’s message reflected the growing bond within the squad.

However, Gabriel’s match-winning presence sparked debate off the pitch. Former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett argued the defender should not have been on the field to score the winner. Hackett claimed that Gabriel struck Woltemade in the face earlier in the match, an act he described as a “punch” that warranted a red card.Hackett insisted VAR should have intervened, pointing out that referee Jarred Gillett had been unsighted as he moved upfield.

According to Hackett, the incident was “a clear and obvious error,” the type of action for which VAR was introduced to provide clarity. He stressed that any contact to the face, particularly a striking motion, should be treated as violent conduct and punished accordingly.Despite the controversy, the defining narrative remained Arsenal’s resilience and Gabriel’s decisive role.

The defender, supported by William Saliba in the buildup to the goal, ensured the Gunners left St James’ Park with a priceless three points. Whether or not VAR should have intervened, Gabriel’s late header has further underlined Arsenal’s credentials in a title race that promises to go the distance.