Newcastle United dealt a major blow to Arsenal’s Premier League title ambitions on Saturday, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory that could allow Manchester City to pull eight points clear at the top of the table.
Alexander Isak’s 12th-minute header from Anthony Gordon’s precise cross was enough to seal the win for Newcastle at St James’ Park, leaving Arsenal struggling to find momentum in their title chase.
Despite dominating possession, Arsenal managed just one shot on target throughout the game, appearing out of sync and lacking their usual intensity.
The loss compounds a recent downturn in form for Mikel Arteta’s side, who have now taken only one point from their last three matches. If City wins against Bournemouth later on Saturday, they will establish a commanding eight-point lead over the Gunners.
Arsenal’s injury-hit squad showed early promise, with Leandro Trossard sending a shot just wide in the opening moments. However, Newcastle quickly found their rhythm, with Isak capitalizing on a well-timed cross to beat Arsenal defenders Gabriel and William Saliba to the ball.
Arsenal had their chances but struggled to convert them. Bukayo Saka narrowly missed with a header in the 18th minute, and Declan Rice came close in stoppage time. Arteta made multiple substitutions, including 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, in a bid to spark a comeback, but Newcastle’s defense held firm.
The result lifts Eddie Howe’s Newcastle to eighth place, while Arsenal, facing a challenging schedule ahead with matches against Inter Milan and Chelsea, now see their title hopes at risk of slipping away early in the season.
