Highlights: Arsenal’s Title Hopes Dented with Loss to Newcastle

Newcastle dealt a blow to Arsenal’s title hopes on Saturday, securing a 1-0 victory that opens the door for Manchester City to potentially stretch their lead at the top of the Premier League to eight points.

Alexander Isak’s 12th-minute header, set up by a precise cross from Anthony Gordon, proved decisive. Despite controlling possession, Arsenal struggled to create chances, managing only one shot on target throughout the match.

This defeat leaves Mikel Arteta’s side with just one point from their last three games, as their title bid appears to be faltering. If City secure a win against Bournemouth later in the day, they will open up an eight-point gap over Arsenal. Meanwhile, Liverpool, just a point behind City, are set to host Brighton at Anfield.

Arsenal started energetically at St James’ Park, with Leandro Trossard shooting wide in the opening moments. However, Newcastle, looking to break a five-match winless streak, quickly took control. Isak timed his run perfectly, positioning himself between Gabriel and William Saliba to head in Gordon’s cross.

While Bukayo Saka nearly equalized with a close header in the 18th minute, Arsenal struggled to match Newcastle’s intensity. A chance from a Declan Rice corner ended with Lewis Hall blocking a Mikel Merino shot on the line, reflecting Arsenal’s inability to gain momentum.

Arteta held off on substitutions at halftime, and Newcastle nearly doubled their lead with Joe Willock testing Arsenal keeper David Raya shortly after the restart. Around the hour mark, Arteta brought on 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri and Oleksandr Zinchenko to add fresh energy, but Newcastle remained resilient. Isak’s shot was pushed away by Raya, and Rice’s powerful run into Newcastle’s area ended with a shot going just wide.

In the final push for an equalizer, Arteta introduced Ben White and Gabriel Jesus. Arsenal’s best opportunity came in stoppage time when Rice’s header from a Saka cross missed narrowly, leaving the visitors without a point. Arsenal, still missing key player Martin Odegaard, have seen their form dip after recent setbacks against Bournemouth and Liverpool.

The win moved Eddie Howe’s Newcastle to eighth in the standings, with more games scheduled later on Saturday. Arsenal now face a challenging schedule ahead, with matches against Inter Milan in the Champions League and Chelsea on the horizon.