Arsenal are now three Premier League games without victory after falling to an underwhelming 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United at St James’ Park in Saturday’s early kick-off.
Also Read: EPL Match Report! Newcastle United vs Arsenal Match Updates, News and Scores (2nd November, 2024)
Alexander Isak scored in a third consecutive match as he headed the hosts in front early on, with Arsenal unable to respond before the half-time whistle.
The Gunners’ woes continued after the break as they struggled to break down a committed Newcastle outfit, stumbling to an ultimately deserved defeat as they lose ground in the Premier League title race.
How the Game Unfolded
Arsenal were seeking revenge for last season’s controversial defeat at St James’ Park but made the worst start imaginable on Tyneside. Newcastle were ahead within 12 minutes in front of a cacophonous home crowd as Isak powered home an impressive header following Anthony Gordon’s exceptional delivery into the penalty area.
The visitors came close to an equaliser before the half-hour mark but were still struggling to find their rhythm in the final third. Mikel Merino almost provided a second successive Premier League goal as his close-range effort was blocked on the line by Lewis Hall following a testing Arsenal corner.
The continued absence of Martin Ødegaard was noticeable as Arsenal struggled to dissect a stubborn Newcastle defensive unit. Magpies goalkeeper Nick Pope left the field at the break with his gloves unmuddied as those in front of him kept a tame Arsenal side at bay.
Mikel Arteta will have had strong words for his side during the half-time break, but they had little impact as Arsenal continued to underwhelm after the restart.
It was Isak who forged the first real opportunity of the second half, forcing David Raya into a diving save with his effort from outside the box.
Declan Rice’s deflected shot trickled just wide of Pope’s far post as Arsenal pushed for an equaliser, but the Gunners looked alarmingly toothless when they reached the Newcastle penalty area.
Bukayo Saka did his best to spark a comeback and looked the most likely route to goal as the visitors desperately sought a point.
However, the goal never arrived as Rice headed a glorious opportunity wide in stoppage time, with Arteta’s side dropping points for a third successive match in the Premier League to dent their aspirations of a first title in over two decades.
Newcastle Player Ratings (4-3-3)
- GK: Nick Pope – 7/10: Surprisingly inactive for the most part but dealt well with deliveries into his penalty area.
- RB: Tino Livramento – 9/10: Won his battle with Gabriel Martinelli and was imposing throughout. A fantastic display from the young full-back on the big stage.
- CB: Fabian Schar – 7/10: Defensively sound against Kai Havertz and co.
- CB: Dan Burn – 7/10: Produced an excellent lunge to deny Trossard early in the second period.
- LB: Lewis Hall – 9/10: Limited Saka’s effectiveness and saved a certain goal with a brave block on the line.
- CM: Sean Longstaff – 7/10: Kept things ticking in midfield and fought for every loose ball.
- CM: Bruno Guimaraes – 8/10: Screened the back four effectively and led by example with his pressing.
- CM: Joe Willock – 6/10: Impressed against his former employers but lacked composure in key moments.
- RW: Anthony Gordon – 8/10: Provided a sumptuous delivery for the opening goal.
- ST: Alexander Isak – 7/10: Returned to form with a headed goal and held the ball up well.
- LW: Joelinton – 7/10: Worked tirelessly in his own half and linked well with Willock.
Substitutes: Sandro Tonali (65′ for Willock) – 7/10; Harvey Barnes (86′ for Gordon) – N/A; Lloyd Kelly (90+5′ for Guimaraes) – N/A.
Manager: Eddie Howe – 8/10: A hugely impressive display from his Newcastle side, who outfought their more-talented opponents.
Arsenal Player Ratings (4-4-2)
- GK: David Raya – 6/10: Helpless for Isak’s close-range header but reliable otherwise.
- RB: Thomas Partey – 7/10: Strong in defensive duels and composed under pressure.
- CB: William Saliba – 7/10: Physically dominant and improved Arsenal defensively.
- CB: Gabriel Magalhaes – 6/10: Left Isak free in the penalty area for the goal.
- LB: Jurrien Timber – 5/10: Struggled with Gordon’s pace and energy.
- RM: Bukayo Saka – 7/10: Brightest spark for the Gunners, frustrated by lack of support.
- CM: Declan Rice – 6/10: Kept the ball well but missed a late opportunity.
- CM: Mikel Merino – 5/10: Struggled against the intensity of Newcastle’s midfield.
- LM: Gabriel Martinelli – 4/10: Lost battles with Livramento and was wasteful.
- ST: Kai Havertz – 4/10: Isolated and ineffective throughout the match.
- ST: Leandro Trossard – 4/10: Had no influence on proceedings, struggled for possession.
Substitutes: Ethan Nwaneri (61′ for Martinelli) – 6/10; Oleksandr Zinchenko (61′ for Merino) – 6/10; Ben White (71′ for Timber) – 5/10; Gabriel Jesus (71′ for Trossard) – 6/10; Jorginho (86′ for Partey) – N/A.
Manager: Mikel Arteta – 4/10: A concerning display with no attacking threat. More dropped points could prove fatal in the title race.
Player of the Match: Tino Livramento (Newcastle)
