Steve Bruce saw the positives of the performance – and so too did our writer Miles Starforth – who has been dishing out his player ratings for those in black and white.
And while the likes of Andy Carroll and debutant Elliot Anderson score highly, it was less positive for Jacob Murphy and others...
5. Ciaran Clark - 6
Didn’t do much wrong, a steady and committed performance, but gave away the ball for Arsenal's winning goal. Photo: GLYN KIRK
6. Paul Dummett - 6
Got through a tough 120 minutes after a long spell out, switched from wing-back to central defence. Photo: Ian MacNicol
7. Miguel Almiron - 6
Struggled to find space in the final third of the pitch, threatened on a few occasions before being taken off. Photo: STU FORSTER
8. Sean Longstaff - 6
Better after the break as Newcastle got more on the front foot, got higher up the pitch. Photo: Julian Finney