The Swede – who was strongly linked with a move to Emirates Stadium in the summer – may have delivered a fatal blow to the Gunners' title hopes
Arsenal’s hopes of winning the Premier League took an almighty whack at St James’ Park on Saturday as Mikel Arteta’s side endured their second league defeat in three games thanks to a single first-half goal from Alexander Isak.
The Newcastle striker, who has been mentioned as possible transfer target for Arsenal in the past, thundered home a header from a teasing cross by the lively Anthony Gordon after just 12 minutes, and the hosts simply never looked back against a toothless visiting side that created very little in the way of clear-cut chances.
Captain Martin Odegaard was badly missed once again, as the Gunners lacked belief and creativity, and simply never really looked like scoring on what could prove to be a very costly afternoon for the north Londoners.
GOAL rates Arsenal's players from St James' Park…
Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence
David Raya (6/10):
Couldn't do much about the goal but stopped anything else that came his way.
Thomas Partey (4/10):
Poor clearance in the build-up to the opener. Not convincing at right-back and his presence was missed in midfield against Newcastle.
William Saliba (5/10):
Caught out for Alexander Isak's goal and there was a distinct lack of communication with Gabriel.
Gabriel (5/10):
Passed fit to play but didn’t impress and his distribution was shaky
Jurrien Timber (4/10):
Struggled up against Gordon who caused problems all afternoon down the Arsenal left.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield
Bukayo Saka (5/10):
Looked the most likely Arsenal player to produce something but couldn't make anything happen on a frustrating afternoon.
Mikel Merino (4/10):
Made very little impact in an underwhelming display against former employers. Booked for a late foul on Bruno Guimaraes and taken off after an hour.
Declan Rice (6/10):
Was much more involved after the substitutions and came very close to a last-gasp equaliser with a deflected effort that rolled just wide.
Gabriel Martinelli (3/10):
Didn't look to be up for a battle against Tino Livramento and was hooked on the hour.
Getty Images SportAttack
Kai Havertz (3/10):
Difficult day for the forward. Saw little of the ball and never looked like scoring.
Leandro Trossard (4/10):
Gave the ball away far too many times in a sloppy showing. No surprise to see him hooked on the hour.
Getty Images SportSubs & Manager
Oleksandr Zinchenko (5/10)
Another player who failed to impress after coming on.
Ethan Nwaneri (5/10):
Couldn't provide the creativity that had been so badly lacking.
Ben White (5/10):
Did OK but didn't have much defending to do.
Gabriel Jesus (6/10):
Looked lively but couldn't find a goal for Arsenal.
Jorginho (N/A)
A late sub.
Mikel Arteta (5/10):
Waited far too long to make changes to his side after a flat first half. Threw on all his substitutes after the break but his team were second best throughout and were deservedly beaten.
