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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Chris Wilson

Newcastle vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction as Isak hurts Gunners’ title bid

Newcastle United played host to Arsenal in Saturday’s early Premier League kick off and produced a stellar defensive showing to build some momentum from their midweek Carabao Cup win over Chelsea and propel themselves up the table.

Eddie Howe’s side triumphed by a single goal to nil, with a vibrant start rewarded with a fantastic Alexander Isak header just 12 minutes in following a terrific Anthony Gordon cross. Thereafter it was a case of concentration and work rate, with Howe having called for a return to last year’s resolve and resilience - and he certainly got it to shut Arsenal out.

The Gunners were desperately disappointing, with no fluidity to their attacking play and even their set-pieces below par in what was a dismal afternoon for Mikel Arteta’s outfit - who could be eight points off the top of the table by the end of the weekend. Follow all the Premier League reaction in our live blog below:

Newcastle vs Arsenal LIVE

  • Newcastle take on Arsenal in the Premier League with kick off at 12.30pm, live on TNT Sports
  • Eddie Howe’s men are on a five-game winless streak in the league
  • Gunners need three points to keep up with leaders Man City
  • NEW XI - Pope, Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall, Willock, Longstaff, Guimaraes, Gordon, Isak, Joelinton
  • ARS XI - Raya, Partey, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber, Rice, Merino, Saka, Trossard, Martinelli, Havertz
  • 93’ CLOSE! Rice heads wide from Gunners’ best chance of the game (1-0)
  • GOAL 12’ - Isak powers in a header from Gordon’s cross (1-0)

Newcastle United FC 1 - 0 Arsenal FC

Title challenge over? Toothless Arsenal fail another test to leave season on the brink

15:09 , Chris Wilson

Arsenal’s longest journey of the Premier League season once again turned out be their most dispiriting. Two-and-a-half years ago, their challenge for a Champions League place ground to a halt against Newcastle at St James’ Park. Now a title challenge may have reached a premature end on Tyneside. Certainly, Arsenal have seven months to assess just how damaging a third defeat in four visits will prove.

With one point from a possible nine, with a second successive away loss, they have stumbled when they needed to surge. This time, the loss of points was not due to a loss of players. Arsenal finished with the full 11 but with a solitary shot on target. Nor could this be attributed to the officiating, unlike last autumn’s loss to Newcastle. Instead, they were unsuccessful and uninspired, shorn of ideas and incision.

It seems as though Mikel Arteta’s gameplan has been pared back to keeping a clean sheet and scoring with a moment of quality. Instead, Newcastle did that, Alexander Isak’s early goal stemming from Anthony Gordon’s pinpoint cross. Just as they had done at Bournemouth, Arsenal failed to score.

Premier League standings

14:57 , Chris Wilson

That result has put Newcastle up into eighth, with 15 points after 10 games.

Arsenal stay third for now, on 18 points, though they call fall as far as seventh if Villa, Brighton, Forest and Chelsea win this weekend.

FULL-TIME! Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

14:51 , Chris Wilson

We’re around 10 minutes from the 3pm kick-offs getting started today, so here’s a reminder of those games:

Bournemouth vs Manchester City

Liverpool vs Brighton

Ipswich vs Leicester City

Southampton vs Everton

Nottingham Forest vs West Ham

Hall speaks to TNT

14:47 , Chris Wilson

Lewis Hall was awarded man of the match, so he’s been speaking to TNT too. He calls today “a really good performance from us”.

“We know what they can bring, how competitive they are.

 “Bukayo is an amazing player, so going into the game I was thinking, ‘if i can keep him a quiet as possible, then I’ve done my job’.

“We know the quality that their wingers have got, we know how good their movements are, so it’s just about stopping balls into the box, and those slipped passes through.

“I’ve absolutely loved my time at Newcastle. I think I’ve improved massively, the defensive part of my game. I’m just focusing on playing well for Newcastle.

On Howe: “He’s got a side in him where, if we need a bit more, he can give us that”.

“We didnt have the greatest start performance-wise, but we picked up a few results. Now we’re getting the results and playing good football, that’s something we can build on for sure.”

Alexander Isak reacts

14:40 , Chris Wilson

Goalscorer Isak is speaking to TNT pitchside, and he says that the result is “a bit of a statement”.

“That was massive. Big game against a big team, I think it means a lot and it’s a bit of a statement. 

“[Heading is] not my strongest quality, but it feels good to score. 

On the atmosphere today, he adds: “It’s special, of course our fans are amazing every game, win or lose, so of course it gives you an extra boost.

“Arsenal have a strong defence, so it’s a difficult task, but I’m happy that we could score and keep a clean sheet. 

“We’ve had a bad spell, but hopefully this win can be an icebreaker for us,” he says as he finishes.

FULL-TIME! Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

14:36 , Chris Wilson
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

FULL-TIME! Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

14:31 , Chris Wilson

A brilliant result for Newcastle, who move up to eighth in the league. They put in a great performance too, scoring a brilliant goal and backing it up with plenty of intensity in their defensive display.

For Arsenal, it was a poor performance overall, and one that will worry Arteta.

FULL-TIME! Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

14:27 , Chris Wilson

Arsenal swing in one last hopeful cross and Nick Pope collects again. He launches it forward but the whistle still doesn’t go!

The away side come forward again...but Havertz concedes a foul and is booked, and that’ll surely be that.

And it is! The final whistle is blown and Newcastle take the three points at home to Arsenal once again!

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

14:26 , Chris Wilson

95 mins

Is there time for one last chance?

Arsenal spread it wide to Saka, who plays it back to White. He swings in a cross that Pope punches away...

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

14:25 , Chris Wilson

94 mins

Guimaraes comes off for Kelly, and Newcastle have the three points in sight here!

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

14:24 , Chris Wilson

93 mins

CLOSE!

The away side continue to dominate possession and they have their best chance of the game as Saka cuts in and fires in a trademark cross towards the back post. Declan Rice is there to nod towards goal but it comes off the side of his head and goes wide!

Arsenal could find themselves eight points behind in the title race if they can’t get a goal here.

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

14:22 , Chris Wilson

91 mins

Tonali wins a cheap free-kick off Rice, and Newcastle have some more respite.

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

14:21 , Chris Wilson

90 mins

There’ll be five minutes of added time at St. James’, as Nwaneri fires an effort well over from just outside the box.

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

14:20 , Chris Wilson

89 mins

Newcastle are happy to give up some space in front of the box to Arsenal at the moment. Arsenal have all the possession but there’s not a great deal of movement ahead of White, Saliba and co.

The Gunners do almost fashion a chance as they put together a few passes on the edge of the box, but White put a little too much onto the through ball.

Are about to see back-to-back defeats for Arsenal on Tyneside?

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

14:18 , Chris Wilson

88 mins

For all the questions over the Arsenal performance, it’s been an impressive showing from the home side. They’ve managed to break the game up when they needed to, have defended resolutely, and scored a brilliant goal.

Jorginho gets booked for catching Guimaraes needlessly.

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

14:17 , Chris Wilson

87 mins

Arsenal give it away cheaply near their own box and Barnes’ first involvement sees him clip in a cross to the back post, but Joelinton can only head right at Raya.

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

14:16 , Chris Wilson

86 mins

More frustration for Arsenal so far, but they’ll have close to 10 minutes to salvage something here.

The Gunners bring off Partey for Jorginho.

(Getty Images)

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

14:15 , Chris Wilson

84 mins

Brilliant tracking back from Gordon to prevent Jesus taking a shot after the cross was flashed across goal.

The home crowd are singing his name, and he’s withdrawn for Harvey Barnes.

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

14:13 , Chris Wilson

81 mins

Good tracking back from Gabriel to dispossess Gordon, and Arsenal have it once more. Newcastle are struggling to get out of their own half.

The Gunners are trying to inject a bit of pace into their attacking play but Livramento manages to block the cross from Jesus.

Arsenal come again though, before Livramento blocks another cross, this time from Zinchenko.

Time is running out for Arteta’s side.

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

14:11 , Chris Wilson

80 mins

Zinchenko fizzes a diagonal pass to Saka but there’s far too much on it, and it goes out of play. They get a bit of luck though, as Guimaraes concedes a foul. Rice will swing in another set-piece.

it’s a very high line from the home side – and it’s another poor delivery from Rice, with Hall clearing this one at first man.

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

14:09 , Chris Wilson

77 mins

Arsenal are dominating the ball now but it’s still not clicking in attack. Gabriel swings in a cross but Hall is there to clear for now.

It’s much better from Arsenal as they win it back quickly twice in about 20 seconds, but once again it doesn’t click as Havertz isn’t wise to Saka’s through ball.

Moments later, Nwaneri can’t quite get to Partey’s ball in.

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

14:07 , Chris Wilson

76 mins

Pope was down for a fair bit of time but he’s going to try to to carry on, and he starts by launching a long goal kick.

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

14:05 , Chris Wilson

73 mins

Arsenal with plenty of possession around the Newcastle box, but it ends with White threading though a pass to nobody and the chance goes begging.

In the meantime, Nick Pope is down injured.

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

14:03 , Chris Wilson

Richard Jolly at St. James’ Park:

Without knowing how Manchester City and Liverpool will get on later, it is hard to say precisely how damaging defeat would be to Arsenal, but it could be very costly if they can’t salvage something here.

Interesting to see Arteta bring on Ethan Nwaneri and Oleksandr Zinchenko. Arguably Arsenal had too little subtlety and style in their starting 11 and too much muscle.

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

14:01 , Chris Wilson

70 mins

Tonali is booked for bringing down Havertz to prevent the counter.

Arsenal bring on Ben White and Gabriel Jesus for Timber and Trossard.

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

14:00 , Chris Wilson

68 mins

Rice’s corner is turned back towards goal by Trossard, but there are too many Newcastle bodies in the box. The home side counter and Longstaff threads it to Gordon, who exchanges the pass with the midfielder before the home side win a corner.

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

13:56 , Chris Wilson

66 mins

Timber goes into the referee’s book as he drags down Tonali, and it’ll be a decent crossing opportunity for Newcastle here.

The set-piece makes its way to Schar, but he can only put his cross into the hands of Raya.

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

13:55 , Chris Wilson

64 mins

A bit more end-to-end now as Newcastle break forward and Isak finds himself in plenty of space before powering a shot too close to Raya.

Moments later, Rice drives at the home defence before sliding a curling effort wide.

In the meantime, Willock was booked for a late challenge – he then makes way for Sandro Tonali in midfield.

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

13:53 , Chris Wilson

62 mins

Arsenal are almost through as Havertz nearly latches onto the clipped ball over the top, but Pope was quick off his line to collect.

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

13:52 , Chris Wilson

Richard Jolly at St. James’ Park:

A couple of fine tackles on Leandro Trossard have summed up Newcastle’s resistance: first by Dan Burn in his own box and then by the increasingly impressive Lewis Hall just outside it. It feels as though Mikel Arteta’s gameplan is for Arsenal to be defensively flawless. So far, however, Newcastle have been. Their supporters are growing louder, enjoying the team’s resolve.

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

13:51 , Chris Wilson

60 mins

Ethan Nwaneri is getting ready to come on. Plenty of faith in the youngster from Arteta, especially after the brilliant goal in midweek.

The Englishman comes on for Merino, while Zinchenko replaces Martinelli.

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

13:48 , Chris Wilson

58 mins

It’s a great counter-attack from Newcastle as Joelinton manages to make space near halfway before threading the pass in-behind for Willock. He doesn’t have the pace to beat Saliba in the foot race but he cuts back before making space for a shot that eventually flies wide.

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

13:47 , Chris Wilson

56 mins

Havertz gives it straight to Lewis Hall and the home side have possession again, before Merino catches Guimaraes in the centre circle. The Spaniard is given the game’s second yellow card.

(Getty Images)

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

13:45 , Chris Wilson

54 mins

Trossard is dispossessed and then concedes a foul on the edge of the Newcastle box. That has summed up his day so far.

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

13:43 , Chris Wilson

52 mins

Now Newcastle win a corner after Longstaff’s cross goes behind. Once again, the set-piece is a weak one though, and this time Arsenal break and win a free-kick.

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

13:42 , Chris Wilson

50 mins

Half a chance for Arsenal as Livramento loses it and Martinelli pounces before threading a good pass to the overlapping Trossard. Dan Burn manages to slide in before the Belgian can get a clean shot away, and Arsenal win a corner.

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

13:40 , Chris Wilson

48 mins

Arsenal pour men forward but the flag is raised for offside. They’re certainly missing Martin Odegaard today.

Arteta hasn’t given a timeline for the Norwegian’s return, but did mention that it would be ‘soon’.

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

13:37 , Chris Wilson

46 mins

It’s Newcastle with the first notable attack of the second half, as they fly forward and Gordon feeds a through ball into the path of Willock. The ex-Arsenal man can only direct his shot straight at Raya though.

KICK-OFF! Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

13:35 , Chris Wilson

The away side get us started for the second half! A lot to do for both sides here.

HALF-TIME! Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

13:34 , Chris Wilson

The teams are coming back out for the second half. Arsenal will need to change something if they’re to return to north London with any points.

The Gunners came out early for the second half, but there are no changes from Mikel Arteta.

HALF-TIME! Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

13:30 , Chris Wilson
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

HALF-TIME! Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

13:25 , Chris Wilson

Richard Jolly at St. James’ Park:

A fine first half for Newcastle so far. The worrying aspect for Arsenal has been their lack of threat, apart from one Mikel Merino shot that Lewis Hall blocked with his back.

So far, Eddie Howe’s gameplan of filling his side with the hardest workers available has paid dividends. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s fans have started singing about winning the Premier League. Which, unless they can turn this game around, looks increasingly difficult.

HALF-TIME! Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

13:20 , Chris Wilson

48 mins

The rest of the half comes and goes without anything eventful. The referee blows the whistle for the break and the Magpies head down the tunnel with a slender lead!

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

13:20 , Chris Wilson

47 mins

Arteta is writing plenty of notes on the sideline. Fans could argue he needs to make a change at half-time here.

13:19 , Chris Wilson

46 mins

We’re into the first of three additional minutes at the end of the half, and it’s very congested in the middle of the park at the moment.

Saka concedes a free-kick after bringing down Guimaraes.

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

13:17 , Chris Wilson

44 mins

It’s been a stop-start game over the last 10 minutes or so, despite a couple of half-chances.

Timber threads a brilliant through ball into the path of Martinelli, but his cross is telegraphed and cut out.

Arsenal need so much more from the Brazilian, as well as Leandro Trossard.

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

13:14 , Chris Wilson

42 mins

Partey swings in a dangerous ball this time but it flies past the face of the goal for a goal kick.

It just hasn’t clicked for the away side so far, despite some flashes of brilliance from Saka. For the Magpies, it’s been a spirited performance full of discipline and their own flashes of brilliance from Gordon and Isak, among others.

Partey concedes a foul near his own box and Arsenal will have to defend a set-piece this time.

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

13:11 , Chris Wilson

39 mins

Gabriel gives it away in a dangerous position but he gets away with it as Guimaraes can’t hook the return pass to the overlapping Isak.

Arsenal clear and Longstaff hauls down Trossard. Schar is booked for kicking the ball away – no doubt an Arsenal fan somewhere will make a social media post about that.

(Getty Images)

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

13:09 , Chris Wilson

37 mins

Livramento has dominated the battle with Martinelli so far down the Arsenal left (though mostly in defence, not attack). The full-back wins the second goal kick in as many minutes from the Brazilian.

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

13:07 , Chris Wilson

35 mins

Back underway now and Guimaraes is okay to carry on. The away side mount an attack but Trossard’s ball is overhit despite Saka’s intelligent run.

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

13:05 , Chris Wilson

33 mins

A lull in activity here after a couple of fouls and some stern words from the referee to Gabriel Martinelli.

Guitarreas has stayed down for now.

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

13:03 , Chris Wilson

31 mins

Martinelli does well to win a corner despite being isolated, and the Gunners will have another chance to produce a dangerous set-piece.

Poor again though, and it goes straight out for a goal kick.

It’s been a frantic game so far, especially when the home side attack, as they are looking to get forward quickly – in stark contrast to Arsenal’s more patient build-up. Nevertheless, it’s forcing Arsenal to try and take more initiative when it does break for them.

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

13:01 , Chris Wilson

Richard Jolly at St. James’ Park:

Anthony Gordon is normally more effective operating on the left than the right but that was a superb first-time cross, and a reason to use an out-and-out winger, rather than an inverted one. Isak had been short of goals this season but now has three in three games. And Arsenal, previously the kings of clean sheets, have conceded again.

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

13:00 , Chris Wilson

28 mins

Hall delivers a free-kick from deep and it falls to Willock, who produces a good cross, but it’s headed away.

(Getty Images)

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

12:59 , Chris Wilson

26 mins

CLOSE!

Rice’s corner is better this time. It flies towards the back post and is headed back across goal by Saliba, with Hall doing well to block the rebound from Martinelli to prevent what would have likely been a goal.

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

12:57 , Chris Wilson

25 mins

Brilliant play from Saka as he stands up his man and fizzes a low cross into the corridor between Pope and his defenders, and Schar does well to avoid the own goal as he puts it behind for a corner.

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

12:55 , Chris Wilson

23 mins

Rice swings in the set-piece but again it doesn’t beat the first man. Newcastle recycle possession and Willock plays a lovely ball over the top to Gordon, who takes on Timber and manages to win a corner as his deflected shot flashes across the goal and goes out.

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

12:53 , Chris Wilson

21 mins

Guimaraes fires in a low shot that is heading wide, but Willock gets a touch that almost diverts it to make a difficult situation for Raya, but the Spaniard pounces onto the loose ball.

Arsenal win a free-kick near the touchline after Schar brings down Merino.

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

12:51 , Chris Wilson

19 mins

Saka almost catches Hall in possession but Guimaraes does well to help out. The home side spread the play wide again to Gordon, but his cross isn’t as pinpoint this time.

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

12:49 , Chris Wilson

17 mins

Arsenal have had plenty of possession since the goal, and the first real chance they’ve created since sees Havertz get in behind the home defence and clip in a cross to Saka at the back post. However, the England winger can only direct a tame header wide.

Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

12:47 , Chris Wilson

15 mins

The away side try and get back into it immediately but Rice’s free-kick doesn’t beat the first man.

Newcastle have dropped 0 points from winning positions so far this season.

GOAL! Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal

12:45 , Chris Wilson

12 mins

GOAL! The home side are ahead!

This is a brilliant goal.

Isak receives the ball from the clearing header just outside the centre of the box. Newcastle spread it wide to Gordon on the right, and he hits a perfectly curled first-time cross to Isak, who produces a brilliant header that flies past Raya for 1-0!

(Getty Images)

Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal

12:42 , Chris Wilson

10 mins

The away side have had plenty of the ball in the last couple of minutes but their possession ends as Timber – who’s popped up in a central position outside of the box – lays it off to Saka, who fires a limp effort wide of the near post. Half a chance!

Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal

12:41 , Chris Wilson

8 mins

Arsenal win their first corner and it’s Rice to take – and Pope does well under pressure to punch it away from under his own crossbar.

The home side try to counter but Isak’s through ball is to nobody.

Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal

12:39 , Chris Wilson

7 mins

Mikel Merino – who made 24 Premier League appearances for Newcastle – snatches at a very hopeful volley from outside of the box.

The home side try and threaten but Willock’s attempted through ball was too weak, and Martinelli slides in to intercept.

Fair to say both sides have lacked their usual final bit of quality in the opening stages.

Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal

12:37 , Chris Wilson

5 mins

Newcastle win the first corner of the game as Willock’s cross is put behind by Gabriel. Gordon swings it in but it’s a poor effort and it’s cleared by havertz as the first man.

Plenty of possession for Arsenal, and Newcastle have given it away a few times already, but the home side are waiting to pounce.

Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal

12:34 , Chris Wilson

2 mins

Trossard runs unchallenged from the centre-circle to the edge of the box, but he can only produce a tame effort that bobbles wide.

Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal

12:33 , Chris Wilson

1 min

Havertz and Saka try to exchange passes on the edge of the Newcastle area but it’s cut out, before Joelinton wins the ball back from Partey’s attempted pass.

KICK-OFF! Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal

12:31 , Chris Wilson

The Last Post rings out around St. James’ Park before the teams make a quick huddle and take their positions.

The home side get us underway on Tyneside!

Newcastle vs Arsenal LIVE

12:27 , Chris Wilson

The two teams have emerged from the tunnel at St. James’, so we’re moments away from kick-off in the first game of matchweek 10 in the Premier League.

Newcastle vs Arsenal LIVE

12:25 , Chris Wilson
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Match facts

12:21 , Chris Wilson

Arsenal haven’t lost consecutive away league games against Newcastle since their first three visits in the Premier League, between 1994 and 1996.

Arsenal have conceded nine goals in their last five Premier League games, more than they had in their previous 19 combined (eight). Indeed, they’ve shipped two or more goals in four of these five games – as many times as they had in their previous 27.

The Gunners have scored more set piece goals (excluding penalties) than any other team in the Premier League this season, with five. However, 40 per cent of their goals conceded have come via a set piece.

Bukayo Saka has created more chances than any other Premier League player this season (27), while with three goals and seven assists he’s one of four players with double figures for goal involvements this term. He’s either scored or assisted a goal in 10 of his last 12 league games.

Match facts

12:16 , Chris Wilson

Newcastle have won two of their last three Premier League home games against Arsenal – as many as they had in their previous 19 against them combined (drew seven, lost 10).

The Magpies are winless in their last five Premier League games (drew two, lost three), losing the last two in a row. They last had a longer run without a victory in August and September of 2022 (six games).

Newcastle lost their last Premier League home match 1-0 against Brighton, ending a run of 11 games without defeat at St James’ Park. It was also the first time they’d failed to score in 23 home league games.

The home side have scored nine goals from an xG of 14.3 in the Premier League this season, netting roughly five goals fewer than expected.

Alexander Isak averages a goal every 133 minutes in the Premier League for Newcastle – only Andrew Cole (one every 121 minutes) has a better average for the Magpies in the competition.

12:12 , Chris Wilson

Speaking in his own pre-match press conference, Mikel Arteta spoke on his side’s injury problems: “I think there are two aspects. One, I think we are quite unlucky and then obviously the demands on the players every week.

“All the restrictions that are hitting the squads means you can’t have that big squads and it is quite difficult to manage.

“I just want the best for the team and want to give the team the best chance to win games. We need to adapt to the rule changes and as well, I try to. Hopefully, they have adapted and realised emotions are a big part of the game,”

On Newcastle, he added: “Their position after nine games is tricky and they are a fantastic team. They are well-coached, intense and it is a great stadium to play in and we are looking forward to it.”

Eddie Howe: “Every game is very difficult"

12:07 , Chris Wilson

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Eddie Howe said that Arsenal “have their qualities, they have a really solid look about the team. [They are] very good from set plays and a solid team and we have to be prepared for that test.

“Everything is different when leading to chasing games. We were in that [leading] position a lot last season, not so much this season, so you when chasing you end up being the reacting team.

“We don’t want to be in that position, we want to be in control. But whatever it takes to win games, I am a firm believer in that.”

Howe said that he was “really pleased” with how his players responded to last week’s loss against Chelsea in the league, adding: “Winning always makes you feel better about everything.”

 “The environment again was second to none. It was a sell out [against Chelsea], it was a really good feeling. I can’t thank the supporters enough for that. There was no hangover from recent results, it was really good and that helped us massively.”

Newcastle v Arsenal head-to-head

12:03 , Chris Wilson

These two sides have met almost 200 times – today will be the 194th game between the two, with the first dating back to 1893.

Overall, Arsenal have won 85, Newcastle have won 69 and 39 have ended as draws.

Last time out, Arsenal beat the Magpies 4-1 at the Emirates (in February), but this fixture last season was one of the defining fixtures of 2023/24 for the Gunners – they lost 1-0 in controversial circumstances, later going on to lose the title by just two points.

Mikel Arteta: Arsenal thinking about controversial Newcastle loss ‘inevitable’

11:55 , Chris Wilson

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta feels it is “inevitable” bitter memories of last season’s controversial Premier League loss at Newcastle will come flooding back when his side return to St James’ Park.

Magpies forward Anthony Gordon bundled home the only goal of the game a year ago, with three VAR checks – to see if the ball went out of play, if there was a foul, and if there was an offside – all going in the hosts’ favour.

Arteta was incensed by the decision to allow Gordon’s effort to stand, branding it “embarrassing” and “an absolute disgrace”, while his team ultimately missed out on the title to Manchester City by two points.

Mikel Arteta: Arsenal thinking about controversial Newcastle loss ‘inevitable’

Eddie Howe: Newcastle will do ‘whatever it takes to win’ against Arsenal

11:45 , Chris Wilson

Eddie Howe has insisted Newcastle will do “whatever it takes to win” as they head into a Premier League clash with Arsenal which has proved explosive in the past.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta was furious after last season’s 1-0 defeat at St James’ Park, sealed by Anthony Gordon’s controversial strike, which survived three separate VAR checks and was later described by the Spaniard as “an absolute disgrace”.

He had been unhappy too after the Magpies had held his side to a 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium in January last year, prompting a debate about the “dark arts” employed by Howe’s men as they gatecrashed the top four to secure Champions League qualification at the end of the 2022-23 campaign.

Eddie Howe: Newcastle will do ‘whatever it takes to win’ against Arsenal

Newcastle vs Arsenal LIVE

11:38 , Chris Wilson

Ethan Nwaneri’s performance delighted Mikel Arteta but did not surprise him as the 17-year-old’s superb strike helped Arsenal to a 3-0 win over Preston and into the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.

The teenager bent in a fine first-half goal after Gabriel Jesus’s first strike since January had set Arsenal on their way, with substitute Kai Havertz adding the third early in the second half.

It was another stand-out Carabao Cup performance from academy product Nwaneri, who got his first senior goals with a brace in Arsenal’s 5-1 win over Bolton in the previous round. He might have had two at Deepdale too, but a late strike hit the crossbar.

“He did it yesterday in training too, so we’re getting used to that,” the Arsenal boss said.

“He’s a big talent, he’s got the right attitude, he’s got the right players and context around him and we need to make sure that we put brick by brick in the right tempo, in the right order, but we have some player there.”

More from Arteta:

‘A big talent’: Ethan Nwaneri shines for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta praises 17-year-old

Newcastle vs Arsenal LIVE

11:35 , Chris Wilson

Eddie Howe was delighted with Newcastle’s response after they reached the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup for the third year in a row with a 2-0 win against Chelsea.

The Magpies bounced back from Sunday’s Premier League defeat against the same opponents at Stamford Bridge as two first-half goals sealed victory on Tyneside.

A mistake at the back allowed Alexander Isak to put Newcastle ahead in the 23rd minute and they extended their lead just three minutes later when Joe Willock’s deflected header was turned into his own net by Axel Disasi.

“We needed a performance and a result, I think we got that tonight,” Newcastle head coach Howe said.

“Especially in the first half, I thought it was hallmark us at our best; front foot, really good energy, good feel, good quality, good attitude – most importantly – and a massive win for us.”

More from Howe:

Eddie Howe feels cup win over Chelsea can be a big moment in Newcastle’s season

11:30 , Chris Wilson

Richard Jolly at St. James Park:

Gabriel Magalhaes has been passed fit to start for Arsenal, which isn’t entirely unsurprising - Mikel Arteta can put players straight back into the team as soon as they become available - but is welcome and suggests Arsenal aren’t actually in a defensive injury crisis, as had been feared.

No Sandro Tonali in a Newcastle team which looks heavy on industry, with Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff either side of Bruno Guimaraes while Joelinton looks set to play in the front three.

Team news

11:27 , Chris Wilson

Mikel Arteta has made just one change from the side that drew to Liverpool last week – William Saliba comes in for Ben White at centre-back, with Thomas Partey keeping his place at right-back.

Brazilian defender Gabriel is fit to start after coming off at Anfield.

Team news

11:22 , Chris Wilson

Newcastle have made three changes to the side that lost away to Chelsea last weekend, with the big news being that Anthony Gordon is fit to start – he replaces Harvey Barnes on the left wing.

On the right wing, Joe Willock comes in for Miguel Almiron, while Sean Longstaff replaces Sandro Tonali in midfield.

Line-ups

11:18 , Chris Wilson

Newcastle XI: Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Willock, Isak, Gordon.

Subs: Dubravk, Tonali, Barnes, Krafth, Osula, Almiron, Kelly, Murphy, Miley.

Arsenal XI: Raya; Partey, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Merino, Saka, Trossard, Havertz, Martinelli.

Subs: Neto, White, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Lewis-Skelly, Sterling, Nwaneri, Jesus.

Newcastle vs Arsenal LIVE

11:10 , Karl Matchett

Team news coming in about five minutes! Defensive injuries remain for Newcastle but Howe’s big calls will come further upfield, where depth is starting to impress and cause a jostle for spots.

Arsenal will have to juggle the defensive line once more. Confirmed XIs on the way.

Newcastle vs Arsenal LIVE

11:00 , Karl Matchett

For Newcastle, meanwhile, Eddie Howe wants a return to the formidable defensive resolve of last season, even if his team received criticism for perceived dark arts at the time.

“We want to make it as uncomfortable as we can for any opposition team coming to St James’ Park. That’s the beauty of playing at home. We don’t want to make this a comfortable environment for any team,” he said.

“When you are winning games, if you are leading games, everything is different compared to when you are chasing games.

“In part, it was over-hyped and talked about more because we were in that position a lot that season. This season, we have not been in that position as often, so you end up being the reactive team trying to chase the game effectively.

“We don’t want to be in that position, we want to be the team in control. But certainly, doing whatever it takes to win – as long as it is within the rules – I’m a firm believer in that.”

Eddie Howe (John Walton/PA) (PA Wire)

Newcastle vs Arsenal LIVE

10:50 , Karl Matchett

The Arsenal boss also issued updates on the squad’s other injury concerns and confirmed that captain Martin Odegaard would be missing the game.

Odegaard is close to a return from an ankle injury picked up on international duty but has not yet finished the final stages of his recovery despite an intention to be fit for Saturday’s match.

“Now is the stage he’s going to start doing some work with us and see how he deals with pain.” the Spaniard said, “With the work rate and the amount of hours he has put in, I don’t know when he will be ready. Hopefully soon.

“Riccy [Calafiori] and Martin [Odegaard] are out definitely. With Ben [White], we don’t know yet. Let’s wait and see.”

Newcastle vs Arsenal LIVE

10:40 , Karl Matchett

Big positive news for Arsenal yesterday. Mikel Arteta said that central defender Gabriel could return to the team in time for the trip to Newcastle following concerns over a potential injury during the draw with Liverpool.

Gabriel was substituted out of the game and hobbled off the pitch sparking concerns that he may be joining the Gunners’ ever-growing list of absentees.

Arteta played down any serious doubts over his fitness on Wednesday night where the 26-year-old defender was in contention to play against Preston in the Carabao Cup. Arsenal won the match 3-0 and Gabriel did not feature.

“We are still assessing him,” Arteta said, “It doesn’t look bad at all. It was much better the next day. Hopefully he’ll be fine. He has done some tests.”

During his pre-Newcastle press conference on Friday morning Arteta provided another hopeful update on the defender’s condition adding: “We have a training session today, if he can complete that, he will be available.”

Newcastle vs Arsenal LIVE

Friday 1 November 2024 17:19 , Karl Matchett

Good morning and welcome to the Independent’s live coverage of the Premier League, where today we’re headed to St. James’ Park for Newcastle against Arsenal.

Both were victorious in the Carabao Cup in midweek but it’s a big league game for both for different reasons today.

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