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...
9. Jacob Murphy - 6
Almost gave Newcastle the perfect start but was denied by the post. Got into some good areas but was let down by his final ball in the first half. Came close to assisting Alexander Isak moments into the second half. | AFP via Getty Images
10. Callum Wilson - 6
Gave the Arsenal defence a decent physical battle but didn’t have any clear opportunities to add to his 15 goals for the season. | AFP via Getty Images
11. Alexander Isak - 7
Tracked back well when needed and showed some good footwork out on the left wing. Denied by the post early in the second half. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
12. Miguel Almiron - n/a
On for Murphy 65: Couldn’t make an impact off the bench as Newcastle went 2-0 down shortly after his introduction. Photo: LINDSEY PARNABY