Newcastle United 1-0 Arsenal: Alexander Isak bags winner for hosts as blunt Gunners stumble in title race

Newcastle United ended their five-game winless run in the Premier League by securing a stunning 1-0 victory over Arsenal, who drop points in the Premier League for a third consecutive game.

The Gunners had the better of the early exchanges, but it was Newcastle who took an early lead as Alexander Isak headed home a fabulous Anthony Gordon cross to score his fourth Premier League goal of the season.

The Gunners hustled for an equaliser in the reminder of the half but struggled to break down a hard-working Newcastle defence.

The second half played out much like the first had finished with Arsenal failing to create much in the way of clear-cut chances against the resolute hosts.

Declan Rice came within inches of an equaliser through a last-gasp header but for all their possession, Arteta’s side could not create any meaningful chances.

Eddie Howe’s side defended doggedly in the latter stages to see out the 1-0 win and take Newcastle up to eighth in the league, with 15 points from 10 games.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are left anxiously waiting to see if Liverpool and Manchester City can capitalise and further extend the gap to the top of the league.

It seems strange to talk about the title after only ten games but given the standards that have been set in recent years every point really does count. Arsenal went into this game already chasing City and Liverpool who held five and four-point gaps over the Gunners respectively.

Today’s defeat means have Arsenal have now dropped points in three consecutive games and Arteta’s side could end the weekend as low as seventh in the Premier League if results go against them.

Given the manner of their defeat at St James’ Park, Arteta knows he will need to find some answers quickly if they are to bridge such a gap.

The Newcastle left-back had arguably the most daunting challenge today having to face up against Bukayo Saka, but the young Englishman put in an exemplary performance.

Saka was Arsenal’s only bright spark in the first half but was still limited to only one or two notable moments. In the second he was virtually a passenger thanks to Hall’s tenacious defending.

The young defender also made two crucial blocks in the game, one in the first half to deny a Mikel Merino effort and another in the second to prevent a Leandro Trossard strike sneaking through.

In all, Newcastle’s entire back line performed admirably, but Hall just stood out amongst the rest.

Newcastle: Pope 7, Livramento 8, Schar 7, Burn 7, Hall 8*, Longstaff 6, Guimaraes 8, Willock 7, Gordon 8, Isak 7, Joelinton 6. Subs: Tonali 6, Barnes 5, Kelly 5.

Arsenal: Raya 7, Partey 6, Saliba 6, Gabriel 6, Timber 4, Saka 7, Merino 6, Rice 5, Martinelli 5, Havertz 4, Trossard 5. Subs: Zinchenko 5, Nwaneri 5, White 5, Jesus 5, Jorginho 4.

11′ FIRST CHANCE FOR CAPTAIN SAKA A long Arsenal ball is collected by Timber of all people. He lays it off to Saka who sizes up Hall before firing a low shot just wide of Pope’s goal.

12′ GOAL! – NEWCASTLE 1-0 ARSENAL (ISAK) – For all Arsenal’s good play it’s the home side who take the lead! A vintage goal as Gordon swings in a wonderful curling cross into the box which Isak rises to meet with his head and guide past David Raya. A crucial goal for Newcastle.

46′ ALMOST TWO FOR THE TOON Gordon drives at the Arsenal defence and slips Willock in behind, he hits it first time but it’s a simply save for Raya.

93′ RICE ALMOST EQUALISES FOR ARSENAL – Saka swings a wonderful ball in but Rice’s header goes narrowly wide of the post. That might be it for Arsenal.