Time was rapidly running out for Arsenal.
With 83 minutes on the clock, Newcastle United were still in front at St James' Park courtesy of a powerful header from Nick Woltemade.
And it looked like being one of those days for the visitors.
Leandro Trossard saw an effort crash off the post.
Pope made superb saves to keep out a pair of volleys from Eberechi Eze and a header from Jurrien Timber.
But not only did Arsenal equalise through substitute Mikel Merino - they won thanks to Gabriel's dramatic stoppage-time goal.
No wonder manager Mikel Arteta celebrated wildly on the touchline as his side moved within a couple of points of league leaders Liverpool.
"To win in the manner that we have done it, wow, what a feeling," he told Match of the Day. "Football is about emotion and going through things and today we had a beautiful one at the end of the match.
"That is how you get to a different level. By going through those moments and take those lessons from it.
"It was a massive opportunity to make a statement and to prove to everybody and ourselves the team that we are."