Arsenal’s title ambitions took a hit after a disappointing performance led to a defeat by Newcastle, raising questions about their championship drive.
Newcastle dealt a significant blow to Arsenal’s title hopes on Saturday with a 1-0 victory, providing Manchester City the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League by eight points ahead of the Gunners.
In the 12th minute, Alexander Isak secured the winning goal by heading in a precise cross from Anthony Gordon on the right.
Arsenal found it challenging to gain momentum, and despite controlling possession, they managed only a single shot on target throughout the match.
Mikel Arteta’s team has managed to secure only one point in their last three matches, causing their title aspirations to rapidly diminish.
If the defending champions, City, triumph over Bournemouth later on Saturday, they will extend their lead to eight points ahead of the Gunners. Meanwhile, Liverpool trails City by just one point and is set to host Brighton at Anfield.
Arsenal have consistently challenged Pep Guardiola’s City over the past two seasons and seemed well-prepared for another title run; however, the gap between them already appears concerningly large.
Despite their injuries, the visiting team started off energetically at St James’ Park. Leandro Trossard quickly made an attempt but dragged the ball wide in the opening seconds.
However, the home team, winless in their last five matches, quickly found their rhythm. Sweden forward Isak positioned himself between Gabriel and William Saliba to head in a goal from Gordon’s exquisite first-time cross.
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka struggled to break through but nearly scored in the 18th minute, heading just wide after out-jumping his defender.
Newcastle defender Lewis Hall managed to block Mikel Merino’s shot right on the line, following a chaotic Declan Rice corner. However, the visitors struggled with rhythm and couldn’t match the home side’s intensity.
Arteta chose not to make any substitutions at half-time, and Newcastle nearly extended their lead right away when Joe Willock’s shot was saved by David Raya.
The Spanish manager substituted in 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri and Oleksandr Zinchenko for Gabriel Martinelli and Merino shortly after the hour mark.
Isak took a shot at Raya, which the Arsenal goalkeeper deflected. Then Rice powered his way into Newcastle’s area and sent a shot wide of the goal.
Arteta made additional adjustments by bringing on defender Ben White and forward Gabriel Jesus in a determined effort to secure an equalizer.
As time ran out, Arsenal found it difficult to gain momentum. They missed a crucial opportunity to equalize when Rice headed narrowly wide from Saka’s cross during stoppage time.
Last month, the Gunners endured a surprising loss to Bournemouth as they continued without captain Martin Odegaard and followed it up with a 2-2 draw against Liverpool last week.
They are facing challenging matches against Inter Milan in the Champions League and Chelsea next week.
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle team moves up to eighth in the standings following their win, prior to Saturday’s later matches.
