It was a match that defined the phrase "a game of two halves." Arsenal appeared to have the three points secured within 26 minutes, only for a second-half collapse—sparked by a red card and a roaring St James' Park—to lead to the most iconic 4-4 draw in Premier League history.
⚽ The Goal Timeline
| Time | Event | Scorer | Description |
| 01' | Goal | Theo Walcott | Outpaced the defense to slot home after just 44 seconds. |
| 03' | Goal | Johan Djourou | Headed in his first Arsenal goal from an Arshavin free-kick. |
| 10' | Goal | Robin van Persie | A clinical finish from a low Theo Walcott cross. |
| 26' | Goal | Robin van Persie | Arrived unmarked to head home Bacary Sagna's delivery. |
| 50' | Red Card | Abou Diaby | Sent off for a confrontation with Joey Barton. |
| 68' | Goal | Joey Barton (Pen) | Sent Szczesny the wrong way after Koscielny fouled Leon Best. |
| 75' | Goal | Leon Best | Squeezed a shot past the keeper after controlling a cross. |
| 83' | Goal | Joey Barton (Pen) | Converted his second penalty of the afternoon. |
| 87' | Goal | Cheick Tioté | A legendary 25-yard left-footed volley into the bottom corner. |
📋 Historic Data & Facts
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The Record: This remains the only time in Premier League history that a team has avoided defeat after trailing by four goals.
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Cheick Tioté's Legacy: This thunderous volley was the only Premier League goal Tioté ever scored. It cemented his status as a club legend before his tragic passing in 2017.
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The Turning Point: Arsenal were completely dominant until Abou Diaby was sent off in the 50th minute for reacting to a challenge from Joey Barton.
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Title Implications: The draw was a massive blow to Arsenal's title hopes, as they failed to close the gap on league leaders Manchester United.
🛡️ Starting Lineups
Newcastle United (4-4-2):
Harper; Simpson, Williamson, Coloccini, Jose Enrique; Barton, Tioté, Nolan, Gutiérrez; Best, Løvenkrands.
Arsenal (4-3-3):
Szczesny; Sagna, Djourou, Koscielny, Clichy; Wilshere, Diaby, Fàbregas; Arshavin, Walcott, van Persie.
Official Match Resources
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Newcastle United History: Match Report - The Great Comeback
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Arsenal FC Archive: St James' Park Match Summary
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