Whatever Liverpool can do, Arsenal can do well. And the dramatic 2-1 victory over Newcastle in extra time was a clear testament to Mikel Arteta and his team's ambition to win the Premier League.
Arsenal have answered all questions one by one. They know how to take advantage of Liverpool's stumble against Crystal Palace. They are fit enough to face Eddie Howe's muscular, direct play at St James' Park. And they also have the courage to come back against an opponent in high form.
This victory not only sent a strong message out, but also helped Arsenal players assert to themselves that they could face any challenge.
"We talked about reaching a new height, learning from the past. And today, after a challenging week in the Premier League, the team has the opportunity to show its mettle and ambition.
The players did it incredibly. This is one of the important moments of the season, when we overcame a difficult start at a stadium that had to bring many sad memories" - Mikel Arteta shared after the match.
Previously, when Arne Slot's Liverpool visited St James' Park in August, the 9-minute goal of 16-year-old idol Rio Ngumoha was considered a testament to the strong spirit of The Kop. But last weekend, Eddie Nketiah - a former Arsenal striker - scored in the 97th minute to help Crystal Palace overthrow Liverpool, adding hope to his former team in the title race.
The pressure has therefore increased on the "Gunners", especially since they have lost all three of their most recent visits to St James' Park without scoring any goals. However, this time The Gunners turned the situation around. After being headed to the opening by Nick Woltemade and VAR refusing a penalty, they still rose up steadfastly, scoring 2 goals in the last 6 minutes to win 2-1.
Gabriel Magalhaes was the hero with the goal in the 6th minute of injury time, after Mikel Merino equalized. The difference also came from Martin Odegaard, who came on in the 82nd minute and immediately brought creativity, control and attack to Arsenal.
And once again, their familiar fixed weapon spoke up. Two corners-on goals - Arsenal's 35th and 36th goals from set-pieces in the Premier League since 2023-24 - helped them leave St James' Park with all 3 points.
Newcastle has given Arsenal a real test of their mettle. Although Nick Pope is the goalkeeper who has to work harder, Eddie Howe's team still pushes the "Gunners" to the limit with physical play.
Viktor Gyokeres has been hit repeatedly by strong collisions from Newcastle's top defense, while Gabriel has struggled with Woltemade. The battle between the two was even more intense in the first half when Arsenal's centre-back was suspected of using a crutch to the opponent's neck.
Arsenal also suffered a shock when VAR denied a penalty, claiming Pope had touched the ball before fouling Gyokeres. But unlike the previous losses of focus, this time they have stayed calm. Arteta continues to exploit the power of the bench as Odegaard, Merino and Gabriel Martinelli all leave important impressions.
Arteta once affirmed: "The players at the end of the match may be more important than the strikers". That statement is gradually being proven, although there is still controversy over whether he is making a tactical advance or just correcting the mistake from the original decision.
The answer will be ahead, but at least at St James' Park, Arsenal convincingly answered many questions.
In this season's Premier League title race, the dramatic win over Newcastle could be a turning point if Arsenal are crowned for the first time since 2004. It proved that the "Gunners" were brave enough to win under pressure and sent a strong message to Liverpool - they are ready for a direct confrontation.
