Arsenal’s Title Dreams Hit a Speed Bump as Newcastle Secures a 1-0 Win
The decisive goal was scored by Alexander Isak in the 12th minute, when he headed in a precise cross from Anthony Gordon on the right flank.
Arsenal controlled possession, but their inability to find their rhythm resulted in just a single shot on target throughout the match.
Mikel Arteta’s team has now picked up just one point from their last three fixtures, casting doubt on their title aspirations.
If Manchester City defeats Bournemouth later on Saturday, they will enjoy an eight-point advantage over Arsenal. Liverpool, currently just one point behind the leaders, will face Brighton at Anfield.
Arsenal has made a strong challenge to Manchester City’s title bid in the past two seasons, but their current goal-scoring struggles are worrisome.
The visitors, who were already struggling with injuries, began the match with some promise, with Leandro Trossard missing an early chance by shooting wide.
However, Newcastle quickly found their footing, with Isak taking advantage of a cross from Gordon to score after finding himself between Gabriel and William Saliba.
Bukayo Saka had a difficult time making an impact, but he came close with a header that missed the target in the 18th minute.
Newcastle’s Lewis Hall intervened to block Mikel Merino’s shot on the line, which was set up by a chaotic corner from Declan Rice, but Arsenal failed to match the intensity of the home team.
Arteta chose not to make any substitutions at halftime, and Newcastle nearly increased their lead just after the break, with Joe Willock’s shot being saved by David Raya.
The Spanish manager introduced 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri and Oleksandr Zinchenko for Gabriel Martinelli and Merino around the hour mark, but Isak threatened again with a shot at Raya.
Arsenal, without their captain Martin Odegaard, who recently suffered an unexpected loss to Bournemouth, played a 2-2 draw with Liverpool last week, and their next fixtures will be just as challenging, with matches against Inter Milan in the Champions League and Chelsea in the Premier League.
This victory has propelled Newcastle to eighth place in the standings, ahead of the later matches on Saturday.
