Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal: Player ratings as disappointing Gunners beaten by spirited Magpies

Arsenal are now three Premier League games without victory after falling to an underwhelming 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United at St James' Park in Saturday's early kick-off.

Alexander Isak scored in a third consecutive match as he headed the hosts in front early on, with Arsenal unable to respond before the half-time whistle.

The Gunners' woes continued after the break as they struggled to break down a committed Newcastle outfit, stumbling to an ultimately deserved defeat as they lose ground in the Premier League title race.

How the game unfolded

Arsenal were seeking revenge for last season's controversial defeat at St James' Park but made the worst start imaginable on Tyneside. Newcastle were ahead within 12 minutes in front of a cacophonous home crowd as Isak powered home an impressive header following Anthony Gordon's exceptional delivery into the penalty area.

The visitors came close to an equaliser before the half-hour mark but were still struggling to find their rhythm in the final third. Mikel Merino almost provided a second successive Premier League goal as his close-range effort was blocked on the line by Lewis Hall following a testing Arsenal corner.

The continued absence of Martin Odegaard was noticeable as Arsenal struggled to dissect a stubborn Newcastle defensive unit. Magpies goalkeeper Nick Pope left the field at the break with his gloves unmuddied as those in front of him kept a tame Arsenal side at bay.

Mikel Arteta will have had strong words for his side during the half-time break but they had little impact as Arsenal continued to underwhelm after the restart. It was Isak who forged the first real opportunity of the second half, forcing David Raya into a diving save with his effort from outside the box.

Declan Rice's deflected shot trickled just wide of Pope's far post as Arsenal pushed for an equaliser but the Gunners looked alarmingly toothless when they reached the Newcastle penalty area. Bukayo Saka did his best to spark a comeback and looked the most likely route to goal as the visitors desperately sought a point.

However, the goal never arrived as Rice headed a glorious opportunity wide in stoppage time, with Arteta's side dropping points for a third successive match in the Premier League to dent their aspirations of a first title in over two decades.

Newcastle player ratings (4-3-3)

GK: Nick Pope - 7/10 - Surprisingly inactive for the most part but dealt well with deliveries into his penalty area.

RB: Tino Livramento - 9/10 - Won his battle with the fleet-footed Gabriel Martinelli and was similarly imposing after Leandro Trossard moved into a wider role. A fantastic display from the young full-back on the big stage.

CB: Fabian Schar - 7/10 - Needlessly booked for booting the ball away just before the break but was defensively sound up against Kai Havertz and co.

CB: Dan Burn - 7/10 - Produced an excellent lunge to deny Trossard early in the second period and was seldom tested by Arsenal's star-studded front line.

LB: Lewis Hall - 9/10 - Faced a difficult assignment up against the turbo-charged Bukayo Saka and managed to limit the England international's effectiveness. Saved a certain goal with a brave block on the line.

CM: Sean Longstaff - 7/10 - Kept things ticking in midfield and fought for every loose ball with an impressive success rate.

CM: Bruno Guimaraes - 8/10 - An excellent display in the centre of the park from the indefatigable Brazilian. Screened the back four effectively and led by example with his pressing and harrying in the engine room.

CM: Joe Willock - 6/10 - Largely impressed against his former employers with several lung-busting runs in behind the Arsenal defence. Lacked a little composure in key moments.

RW: Anthony Gordon - 8/10 - Provided a sumptuous delivery for the opening goal of the game and the Newcastle crowd perched on the edge of their seats every single time he was handed possession.

ST: Alexander Isak - 7/10 - The confidence is returning for the wiry centre-forward, who headed home with aplomb in the opening stages. Held the ball up well when needed.

LW: Joelinton - 7/10 - Worked tirelessly in his own half and linked well with Willock down the left-hand side. Characteristically combative in the challenge.

Substitutes

SUB: Sandro Tonali (65' for Willock) - 7/10

SUB: Harvey Barnes (86' for Gordon) - N/A

SUB: Lloyd Kelly (90+5' for Guimaraes) - N/A

Subs not used: Martin Dubravka (GK), Emil Krafth, Alex Murphy, Lewis Miley, Miguel Almiron, William Osula.

Manager

Eddie Howe - 8/10 - A hugely impressive display from his Newcastle side, who outfought their more-talented opponents. Defensively resolute and well worthy of their victory.

Arsenal player ratings (4-4-2)

GK: David Raya - 6/10 - Helpless for Isak's close-range header and was reliable when called upon otherwise.

RB: Thomas Partey - 7/10 - The strongest of Arsenal's defenders, winning plenty of duels up against Newcastle's willing runners and showing composure under pressure.

CB: William Saliba - 7/10 - Improved Arsenal defensively after missing out through suspension last weekend and was physically dominant.

CB: Gabriel Magalhaes - 6/10 - Left Isak free in the penalty area as the Swede nodded Newcastle in front. Unaware of his surroundings in a decisive moment.

LB: Jurrien Timber - 5/10 - Struggled with the pace and energy of Gordon throughout and was booked for a late challenge after the break.

RM: Bukayo Saka - 7/10 - The brightest spark in the final third for the Gunners - as expected - and will be frustrated with his lack of attacking support from teammates.

CM: Declan Rice - 6/10 - Kept the ball well and swept up when Newcastle did counter-attack. Tried to provide some attacking thrust on occasion but missed a great opportunity late on.

CM: Mikel Merino - 5/10 - Not as impressive as he was against Liverpool and struggled against the intensity of Newcastle's midfield.

LM: Gabriel Martinelli - 4/10 - Lost almost every single battle with Livramento and was wasteful on the occasions he found himself free. Hooked as Arsenal searched for a goal.

ST: Kai Havertz - 4 /10 - Isolated from first minute to last and couldn't unnerve Newcastle's defence whatsoever.

ST: Leandro Trossard - 4/10 - Dropped deep into a number ten role when required but had absolutely no influence on proceedings, other than surrendering possession too easily.

Substitutes

SUB: Ethan Nwaneri (61' for Martinelli) - 6/10

SUB: Oleksandr Zinchenko (61' for Merino) - 6/10

SUB: Ben White (71' for Timber) - 5/10

SUB: Gabriel Jesus (71' for Trossard) - 6/10

SUB: Jorginho (86' for Partey) - N/A

Subs not used: Neto (GK), Jakub Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Raheem Sterling.

Manager

Mikel Arteta - 4/10 - A concerning display from his side, who offered no attacking threat and struggled to win their individual duels. More dropped points could prove fatal in the title race.

Player of the match: Tino Livramento (Newcastle)

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