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...
13. Anthony Gordon - n/a
On for Wilson 78: Helped Newcastle get on the front foot late on but the damage was already done. Photo: Matt McNulty
14. Allan Saint-Maximin - n/a
On for Willock 78: Had a couple of touches but couldn’t swing the game in Newcastle’s favour. Came close with a chance late on. | AFP via Getty Images
16. Elliot Anderson - n/a
On for Joelinton 81: Showed some positive play in and around the box in the closing stages. | Getty Images