Arsenal slipped further off the pace at the top of the Premier League table after Alexander Isak’s brilliant early header handed them a 1-0 defeat at Newcastle.
After losing on the road in the league for the first time in 2024 at Bournemouth last time out, the Gunners slumped again at St James’ Park and could find themselves eight points behind leaders Manchester City by the end of the weekend.
Mikel Arteta’s side were trailing for much of the encounter after Isak powered Anthony Gordon’s excellent cross beyond David Raya, and they were flat throughout against their physically dominant and defensively formidable hosts.
Newcastle made three changes from the side that beat Chelsea in the Carabao Cup, with Tino Livramento, Dan Burn and Bruno Guimaraes in for Emil Krafth, Lloyd Kelly and Sandro Tonali.
Arsenal changed seven from their Carabao Cup win at Preston, bringing in David Raya, Thomas Partey, Gabriel, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard for Tommy Setford, Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Ethan Nwaneri, Jorginho, Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus.
Mikel Merino’s shot was blocked on the line by Lewis Hall and Declan Rice’s deflected effort trickled just wide, but Arsenal rarely tested Nick Pope.
Raya was required to prevent Newcastle extending their lead, making saves from Joe Willock and Isak, before another Hall block kept out Leandro Trossard’s volley.
Ethan Nwaneri was brought off the bench after his impressive performance at Preston in midweek but the 17-year-old was unable to turn the tide. In truth – as at Bournemouth – Arsenal were crying out for the creativity of their injured captain, Martin Odegaard.
Stand-in skipper Bukayo Saka finally carved out a chance in the dying moments when his cross found Rice at the far post, but the midfielder’s header slipped wide – and Arsenal’s chances of taking a point back to north London faded away.
But credit must also go to Newcastle, who were back to something close to their best after five league games without a win. They move up to eighth – just three points behind their visitors, who cannot afford many more performances like this.
