Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle United: Eddie Howe’s side suffered a ninth defeat in 12 Premier League matches.

Eddie Howe claimed Newcastle United were ‘much better’ despite falling to a ninth defeat in 12 Premier League matches at Arsenal.

It’s also a fifth consecutive defeat in all competitions, the first time Newcastle have suffered such a poor losing run since 2014.

It leaves the Magpies sitting 14th in the Premier League table, eight points above the relegation zone with four games left to play.

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Eddie Howe focusing on the positives for NUFC

Amid a sea of understandable negativity surrounding Newcastle, Howe was quick to focus on the positives when asked for his assessment of the match.

Eberechi Eze’s early strike proved to be the difference between the sides as Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League table.

“I thought it was much better from us as a group of men,” Howe said. “I thought we stood up to the physical challenge of Arsenal.

“I thought we were much better off the ball, much better defensive performance. We looked more like ourselves in that respect.

“We defended our goal much better today. In recent weeks, that's been a definite weakness. Of course, we've conceded a goal and we've lost the game, which ultimately is what matters the most.

“But I think positive signs that hopefully we can rediscover our best defensive mentality, which we're going to need. And then the other side of that is I thought it was a better performance with the ball as well with Bruno [Guimaraes’] return.

“We were more controlled in our build up. I thought we were brave with the ball and we created chances to score as well.

“So, performance-wise, I'm much more satisfied with that. But of course, it's another defeat and I can't lose sight of the fact that we've lost too many games.”

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Arsenal there for the taking?

While there were improvements in the defence and midfield, Newcastle ultimately lacked cutting edge in attack as they failed to score for the first time in 19 games.

“I think there were chances there for us,” Howe added. “Maybe not in the abundance that you'd want in a game.

“From Will Osula’s moment in the first few seconds of the game to, obviously, Yoane [Wissa’s] is probably our biggest chance.

“Dan Burns header at the back back post, Sandro [Tonali]'s shot that [David] Raya does well to save. So, I thought there were moments.

“I think against Arsenal, you're never going to come here and create loads of opportunities with their defensive performances this season have been so strong. But I thought there was enough for us. Yes, you'd like to see more.

“I think a lot of players playing sort of new together, new relationships, that maybe at times you could see that on the pitch. But I can't be too critical of the players. I've been critical in recent weeks.

“I have to say it was a much better performance. Ultimately, it wasn't good enough, but I think we have to take the positives.”

Next up for Newcastle is Brighton & Hove Albion at St James’ Park as they look to avoid a sixth straight defeat against a side they have beaten just twice in their last 18 attempts.

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