ARSENAL slipped to a frustrating defeat to Newcastle as their pursuit of a first Premier League title in 20 years took an almighty dent.
Having watched Manchester City thump Bournemouth 6-1 earlier in the day, Mikel Arteta would have been itching to keep pace with three points.
But in a hot-tempered clash – in which Kai Havertz and Bruno Guimaraes inexplicably escaped red cards – the Gunners were downed by an equally controversial goal.
The defeat leaves Arsenal in third, but could be overtaken by Liverpool and Aston Villa on Sunday – with Newcastle themselves now just four points adrift.
But how did Arteta’s XI fare on the day? Oscar Paul takes a look…
David Raya – 4
A quiet night for the Arsenal stopper until he missed Joe Willock’s cross for Newcastle’s winner.
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Flapped at a simple enough ball, allowing Joelinton to muscle in on Gabriel at the back post.
With Aaron Ramsdale watching on from the bench, the Spaniard is failing to convince that he is the right man.
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Ben White – 5
Could have done a lot more to prevent Willock putting in the cross for the goal.
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The right-back put no pressure on the midfielder, giving him free rein to whip the ball in towards Joelinton.
Offered little going forward in his 100th Arsenal appearance and was hooked straight after Anthony Gordon’s opener.
William Saliba – 6
Involved in a right ding-dong with Callum Wilson, and the Frenchman proved once again how indispensable he is.
Won some big headers when the Magpies were in down the sides and can hardly be blamed for the controversial Newcastle winner.
One of the few Arsenal players to leave Tyneside with their reputation unharmed.
Gabriel – 5
A stress-free night for the Brazilian until he mad man-mountain Joelinton flying towards him in the build up to the Newcastle goal.
The Brazilian and his team-mates were furious no foal was given – and he may have a point given Joelinton’s hands were all over his back.
Takehiro Tomiyasu – 5
Consistently popped up in midfield when Arsenal had the ball to keep Newcastle guessing.
He largely kept the lively Miguel Almiron quiet but didn’t have enough quality going forward.
Jorginho – 5
The Italian orchestrator was heavily involved as Arsenal bossed the Geordies early on in midfield.
Took a forearm to the head form Bruno Guimaraes and his influence waned as the game’s intensity got the better of him.
Declan Rice – 7
Led Arsenal forward time and time again in another stellar showing from the midfielder.
The Gunners’ best player, Rice relished the spiky midfield battle and snuffed out danger throughout with a host of key challenges and interceptions.
Kai Havertz – 6
One of his better Arsenal games but lucky to escape a first-half red card for a wild, reckless lunge on Sean Longstaff.
The German was off the ground and fortunate to only catch the Newcastle midfielder with his trailing leg.
Picked up some great positions early on but was quiet in the second half.
Bukayo Saka – 4
Clattered a couple of times by 6ft 8in Dan Burn and struggled to make any sort of impact.
Ineffective, couldn’t get in the game, and can consider himself lucky not to have been subbed as Arsenal pushed for an equaliser.
Eddie Nketiah – 4
Plenty of hustle and bustle but never looked close to scoring.
Anonymous most of the game before being subbed with 11 minutes remaining.
Sky commentator Gary Neville said: “Arsenal need to do some business in January in the centre-forward position. They look a bit short in the big games.”
Gabriel Martinelli – 4
The Brazilian landed the first shot on target in first-half injury time but fired straight at Nick Pope.
Drifted in and out of game and, along with Saka on the opposite flank, did nowhere near enough.
Subs
Oleksandr Zinchenko (for White, 73mins) – Put in a couple of dangerous balls as Arsenal searched for a late equaliser.
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Leonardo Trossard (for Nketiah, 79 mins) – Three terrible set-pieces went Arsenal really needed it at the death.
Fabio Vieira (for Jorginho, 79mins) – Could not influence the game late on.
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Oscar Paul
