Arsenal ends up with back-to-back Premier League defeats.
Rice misses a late header to make it a draw.
Nwaneri (17) bought on to make a difference.
Perfect Isak header from a sublime Gordon pass puts Newcastle ahead 1-0.
Match Report
Newcastle’s search for a win gets fulfilled to Arsenal’s dismay. After facing their first league defeat against Bournemouth, the Gunners lost again at St James Park. Mikel Arteta’s team conceded in the 12′ min of the match and could not find the back of the net to equalise.
Alexander Isak scored the ultimately match-winning goal orchestrated by a perfect cross from Anthony Gordon. Longstaff played it out wide to Gordon who then crossed it perfectly for Isak to head it past Raya for a goal. Eddie Howe and the home fans were jubilant.
Arsenal tried their best to come back in the match. But they struggled to make inroads centrally and were limited to attacking from the flanks. Martinelli struggled to make an impact while Saka looked the most threatening to create. Ethan Nwaneri was brought off the bench after his impressive performance at Preston in midweek but the 17-year-old could not turn the tide. The reality was that Arsenal was missing their injured captain, Martin Odegaard.
The Gunners lack of creativity in midfield is becoming more and more obvious and Arteta would be really hoping Odegaard is back soon. Credit must also go to Newcastle, who were back to nearly their best after five league games without a win. They closed off passing lanes centrally while playing a defensive low block with discipline. It worked and Arsenal struggled to look threatening for most of the match.
Saka created Arsenal’s best 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. Mikel Arteta’s team now faces the danger of falling behind by eight points in the Premier League standings if Manchester City wins their match later today. Meanwhile, Eddie Howe and Newcastle will be happy with their return to winning ways in style. They move up to eighth – just three points behind their visitors, who cannot afford many more performances like this.
