Newcastle were denied an early penalty shout following a VAR check on a handball against Arsenal’s Jakub Kiwior. Referee Chris Kavanagh had initially awarded the spot kick but overruled the decision after consulting the screen.
Moments later Arsenal took the lead as Martin Odegaard’s 25-yard strike with his left foot found the bottom right corner of the goal. And that was the difference between the sides at the break as Newcastle found themselves 1-0 down at home for the second week running.
Last Sunday, The Magpies were able to turn things around in the second half against Southampton and they had chances to do so against Arsenal as they were denied by the post and Aaron Ramsdale within five minutes of the restart.
But Arsenal doubled their lead inside the final 20 minutes as Gabriel Martinelli’s low ball deflected in off Fabian Schar’s outstretched leg.
Newcastle’s second home defeat of the season leaves them three points inside the Champions League qualification places with four games to play and a game in hand on Liverpool in fifth.
The Magpies play Leeds United at Elland Road next week as they look to get back to winning ways.
Here are the player ratings from the Arsenal match...
5. Dan Burn - 6
Tried to play on the front foot and be aggressive down the left and dealt with the threat of Saka reasonably well. | Getty Images
6. Bruno Guimaraes - 6
Hit shot led to Newcastle being awarded an early penalty which was then overturned by VAR. A mixed-bag in possession as he was caught out on a couple of occasions while also giving away a couple of cheap free-kicks. | Getty Images
7. Joelinton - 7
Let off after being robbed of possession by Martin Odegaard. Improved in the second half and battled well. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
8. Joe Willock - 6
Put Newcastle on the front foot early on with some high pressing. Had a great chance to equalise in the first half but was denied by Aaron Ramsdale. Could have brought Newcastle level had it not been for a great challenge from Granit Xhaka. | Getty Images