Fourteen years ago today, on February 5th, 2011, Newcastle United achieved one of the most remarkable comebacks in Premier League history. Despite being 4-0 down at half-time against Arsenal, the match astonishingly concluded in a 4-4 draw.
Explosive Start from the Gunners
It was a typical February Saturday when the Premier League clash between Newcastle United and Arsenal kicked off at 16:00. At that time, Newcastle were sitting in eighth place on the ladder, while Arsenal occupied second place, trailing Manchester United, who eventually clinched the league title.
St James’ Park, the home ground for Newcastle, was packed to capacity with over 51,000 fans, none of whom had any inkling they were about to witness such a memorable spectacle. However, the beginning was nerve-racking for the home supporters.
The Gunners took full control in the first half, racing into a three-goal lead within the opening 10 minutes. Arsène Wenger’s side opened the scoring just seconds into the match when Theo Walcott netted following a brilliant through ball from Andrei Arshavin.
Just two minutes later, Arshavin took a free-kick, directing the ball onto Johan Djourou’s head to make it 2-0. By the 10th minute, it was 3-0, with Theo Walcott delivering a pinpoint cutback for Robin van Persie to score.
In the 26th minute, van Persie added his second with a header from a cross by Bacary Sagna. It felt like Newcastle were on the brink of a humiliating defeat under manager Alan Pardew, with some fans already starting to leave their seats in despair.
The Greatest Comeback of All Time
The turning point arrived at the start of the second half when Arsenal’s Abou Diaby was sent off following an unnecessary altercation with Newcastle’s notorious Joey Barton. This incident shifted the momentum of the match.
Newcastle capitalised on their numerical advantage, scoring their first goal in the 68th minute when Joey Barton converted a penalty. Just seven minutes later, striker Leon Best found the net with a close-range finish after a cross from the left.
In the 83rd minute, another penalty was awarded to Newcastle. Once again, Joey Barton stepped up and scored, leaving the home side just one goal adrift.
Then, in the 87th minute came the most significant and breathtaking goal of the match. Following a cross from a free-kick that bounced outside the penalty area, Cheick Tiote struck a stunning volley with his left foot, smashing home a 20-yard equaliser that capped the incredible comeback.
St James’ Park erupted in jubilation as Newcastle became the first team in Premier League history to claw back from four goals down.
The Tragic Fate of Cheick Tiote
Cheick Tiote, a defensive midfielder from Ivory Coast, had made his way to Europe in 2005 at the age of 19, having signed with Belgian club Anderlecht. He later played in the Netherlands before joining Newcastle United in 2010.
During his six successful seasons at Newcastle, Tiote made 156 appearances and scored once—the all-important goal that etched his name into the club’s lore.
He also represented the Ivory Coast national team 55 times between 2009 and 2015, competing in two World Cups and four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, winning the latter in 2015. In 2017, he transferred to Beijing Enterprises Group in China.
Sadly, that same year, Cheick Tiote passed away unexpectedly. On June 5th, 2017, he suffered a cardiac arrest during training in Beijing and was unable to be revived by hospital staff. Tributes poured in from teammates and former managers alike.
Rafael Benitez referred to him as “a true professional,” while Alan Pardew described him as “everything you want in a Newcastle player.” Steve McClaren, who managed him at both Twente and Newcastle, called him the toughest player he had ever encountered, and Chris Hughton, who brought him to Newcastle, praised his humility, saying he was “the perfect fit.”
Interestingly, this year, Arsenal and Newcastle will face each other once again on the 5th of February in the EFL Cup.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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