United News of Bangladesh

In a dramatic and highly charged encounter at St James’ Park, Arsenal staged a sensational late turnaround, scoring two headed goals in the final minutes to snatch a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United. The win sees the Gunners move to within two points of league leaders Liverpool, who suffered a surprising defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace. Arsenal, the Premier League runners-up for the past three seasons, started with intent in the sixth round of the league on Sunday. They appeared to have earned an early breakthrough when referee Jarred Gillett awarded a penalty for Nick Pope’s challenge on Viktor Gyokeres. But after a lengthy VAR review, the decision was controversially overturned, leaving the visiting camp furious. Despite that setback, Mikel Arteta’s men continued to press forward, with Leandro Trossard striking the post and Eberechi Eze forcing two fine saves from the inspired Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope. However, it was the home side who broke the deadlock in the 34th minute when record signing Nick Woltemade rose to head in Sandro Tonali’s cross from the left. Martinelli rescues Arsenal with stoppage-time strike against Man City That goal looked like it would be enough for the Magpies as they clung on deep into the second half. But Arteta’s men refused to relent. With six minutes of normal time remaining, substitute Mikel Merino flicked in a precise cross from Declan Rice to level the score. The equalizer ignited a fresh wave of belief for the visitors, who piled more pressure on the Newcastle backline. Deep into stoppage time, their persistence paid off. In the sixth minute of added time, Gabriel Magalhães rose highest to meet a right-wing corner from Martin Ødegaard, heading home the winner and sparking wild celebrations among the players and traveling fans. The victory lifts Arsenal back into second place in the Premier League standings. Crucially, it also ensured the north Londoners closed the gap at the top following Liverpool’s shock defeat at Crystal Palace a night earlier. The Gunners now have 13 points from six games, comprising four wins and a draw. Liverpool currently sit atop the table with 15 points from the same number of matches. For Newcastle, the defeat leaves them in 15th place with only six points. Both teams will now turn their attention to European competition. Arsenal return to Champions League action with a home tie against Olympiakos, while Newcastle travel to face Union Saint-Gilloise on Wednesday night.

Marcus Rashford went to FC Barcelona to regain his confidence ahead of the 2026 World Cup, and he found his rhythm in style. The Englishman's brilliance was rekindled at the perfect time, as he silenced a roaring St. James' Park with a brace, and Barcelona left the pitch with three points. Barcelona started their Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over an energetic Newcastle side, thanks to their 27-year-old winger. His goals made the decisive difference between the teams. Anthony Gordon found the net for Newcastle, but it was too late for a comeback. Newcastle dominate early  Although Barcelona were the dominant side on paper, the on-field scenario was just the opposite. Newcastle dominated from the kickoff, piling pressure on the Barcelona defense and creating goalscoring opportunities. The Catalans held their nerve for the first 20 minutes, focused on clearing the ball, bypassing their opponent's press, and slowing down the pace of the game—all while under the deafening roar of the home fans. During that period, Newcastle tried their best to capitalize on the early momentum, but young Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García and the defenders managed to keep the opposition at bay. Winger Anthony Elanga was particularly superb and was the protagonist of most of Newcastle's attacks. In the 23rd minute, Elanga's brilliance almost gave Newcastle the lead. He breezed past Gerard Martín with his lightning pace and delivered a pinpoint cross into the box for Harvey Barnes. Barnes met the cross with a fabulous shot on target, but García unbelievably stretched out a leg to change the direction of the ball. Barcelona find their rhythm After that scare, the visitors started to find their shape and took control of the midfield, although they were still barely able to reach the opponent's box. Hansi Flick’s team failed to register a single shot on target in the first half. After the halftime break, both teams settled into their respective rhythms, and the match intensified with a neck-and-neck fight. In the 58th minute, Rashford broke the deadlock with an excellent header. Jules Koundé sent a spectacular cross into the penalty area, and Rashford successfully directed it on target. This was his first Champions League goal since October 2021 for Manchester United. Rashford also became the first English player to score for Barcelona in the Champions League since Gary Lineker in 1991. After conceding, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe substituted four players, with star striker Nick Woldemot entering the pitch. Moments later, Rashford stunned the home fans with an outstanding second goal. Receiving the ball outside the box, the 27-year-old forward powered a thunderbolt into the top corner, which was practically impossible for Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope to stop.

Wearing a mock Arab headdress, Chris Greenslade, between swigs from a bottle of Newcastle Brown Ale, was proudly embracing his club’s new status as one of the richest in world sports. “We’re Saudis,” the 41-year-old Newcastle fan said. “We can afford anything.” Read: Premier League club Newcastle bought by Saudi sovereign fund The gloating and celebrations from fans were only before Sunday's match against Tottenham at St. James' Park, as the new era under Saudi ownership was heralded, before reality set in. Callum Wilson put Newcastle ahead after only 107 seconds before the hosts collapsed to lose 3-2 and remain in the relegation zone. Much spending will be needed on players, along with a new manager as the crowd was demanding. To receive the investment, Newcastle fans have to — reluctantly in many cases — accept their long-underachieving club becoming embroiled in a sporting moral maze of the ethics of ownership by a state. Embracing the riches of the Saudi sovereign wealth fund to remove a long-despised owner means an unwelcome attachment with the murkier side of a kingdom. “You’re going to get stuff like that along there,” Greenslade says, pointing out a vehicle emblazoned with the name “Jamal Khashoggi” alongside an image of the journalist murdered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018. There was also a photo of the Saudi crown prince implicated in the gruesome plot: Mohammed bin Salman. “Is there any evidence?” Greenslade said. “Is it nailed on?