The Magpies played host to the Gunners having gone four games unbeaten in the Premier League prior to this weekend’s clash, but failed to ever really get started against Mikel Arteta’s men and were punished accordingly.
Goals from Mohamed Elneny and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were enough to wrap up a third Arsenal win over the Toon Army this season, and to sink Steve Bruce’s men down to 17th in the table.
If there is a silver lining, however, it is that they are still nine points clear of the relegation zone with just four games left to go, and while they are not mathematically safe just yet, it would take a hugely unlikely series of events to drag them into that bottom three.
Another disappointing setback for the Magpies came when Fabian Schar was shown a red card late on, and Bruce was quick to offer his view on the dismissal.
Speaking after the game, he said: "The way it is at the moment and the rules are, there's no tackles anymore.
“I don't think it deserves a red. Maybe it's a yellow.
"Is it dangerous? Not really. We're playing Arsenal so you have to get into them. When that stops it becomes very difficult. I have sympathy for Fabian Schar. He tries to win the tackle. Maybe a yellow card but certainly not a red."
We’ve gathered the best of today’s Premier League transfer rumours involving Newcastle United and the rest of their top flight rivals below...
1. Arsenal confident of Bissouma deal
Arsenal are confident about signing Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma in the summer transfer window. (Daily Star) (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Photo: Mike Hewitt
2. Burnley set Pope asking price
Burnley want £45 million for Nick Pope amid reported interest from Tottenham Hotspur. (The Sun) (Photo by Jon Super - Pool/Getty Images)
Photo: Pool
3. Phillips touts Saint-Maximin exit
Allan Saint-Maximin will leave Newcastle United this summer and Tottenham is the perfect destination, according to Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips. (Football Insider) (Photo by Paul Ellis - Pool/Getty Images)
Photo: Pool
4. Richards talks up 'perfect' loan deal
Brighton midfielder Taylor Richards believes his loan move to Doncaster Rovers has been 'perfect' for him. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
Photo: Nathan Stirk