Arsenal center back Thomas Vermaelen scored in stoppage time in a 2-1 win over Newcastle on Monday, completing the team's fourth straight come-from-behind victory in the Premier League to close within a point of third place. Vermaelen's close-range goal in the fifth and final minute of added time sent the 60,000-strong crowd at Emirates stadium into a frenzy, with the Gunners now within touching distance of fierce rival Tottenham in the last automatic Champions League spot. Arsenal was 10 points behind its fellow north London team only a few weeks ago, placing Wenger under increasing scrutiny and open criticism from fans. But the tide has turned with the Gunners coming from behind to win 2-1 against Sunderland, 5-2 versus Spurs and 2-1 over Liverpool. A 4-0 deficit to AC Milan in the Champions League was also met with a 3-0 victory in the second leg. Newcastle scored in the 14th minute after Vermaelen gave the ball away, leaving Hatem Ben Arfa free to run down the right and cut inside Kieran Gibbs. The French winger's curving left-footed strike beat goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny at the near post. Arsenal had been dominating the match up until that point. Tomas Rosicky started the move and passed to Walcott, who centered for Robin van Persie to take a touch on his left foot, turning Mike Williamson the wrong way, before blasting the ball past goalkeeper Tim Krul for his 26th league goal of the season. Newcastle struggled to match Arsenal's tempo and came the Vermaelen winner. Getafe beats Villarreal Getafe ensured Villarreal remains in a relegation battle in the Spanish league by winning 2-1 away Monday after goals from Diego Costa and Abdel Barrada. Getafe moved eight points clear of the drop zone, while Villarreal is only three above 18th-place Racing Santander.
