Arsenale fell to defeat at St James’ Park as Alexander Isak’s early header proved to be enough for Newcastle United to take all three points.
The Swedish striker’s strike proved to be the key moment in a game of few opportunities, with arsenals best falling to Mikel Merino who saw a shot cleared off the line by Lewis Hall in the first half.
There was late drama when Declan Rice looked set to equalise but he sent his header wide of the target, as they ultimately fell to consecutive away defeats in the league for the first time since May 2022.
Swift setback
The opening half was a tight affair with neither side able to impose themselves on the other, meaning shooting opportunities were few and far between. However, its telling moment came 12 minutes in when the majority of St James’ Park burst into celebration.
Isak was found in space in the final third, and he laid the ball off to Sea Longstaff who fed Anthony Gordon on the right. The England man swung in a dangerous first-time delivery, and Isak rose highest to power a header past David Raya to score for the third consecutive game.
That handed the hosts, who were winless in five league matches, a huge dose of confidence, and they managed to keep us quiet for the opening 25 minutes with Bukayo Saka coming closest with a couple of efforts that trickled wide either side of Isak’s goal.