The Magpies lost 1-0 and did not make the most of clear openings at the Emirates Stadium
Declan Rice of Arsenal is challenged by Jacob Murphy and Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United
Declan Rice of Arsenal is challenged by Jacob Murphy and Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Newcastle United were beaten by an Eberechi Eze strike in the first half but failed to cash in on Arsenal's title jitters.
The two sides have met twice in the current 2025/26 season with Arsenal winning 2-1 at St James' Park in autumn and in the summer during a 3-2 win in an exhibition game in Singapore. The temperatures were closer to that night in the Far East as the teams kicked off for this 5.30pm clash.
Newcastle switched off for Arsenal's opening goal after failing to wise up to a short corner routine as the Gunners netted from the training ground move at the third time of asking. It was Noni Madueke and Martin Zubimendi who worked the ball to Kai Havertz before his pass to pick out Eze resulted in the £60m man bending it in the bottom corner to beat Nick Pope after finding himself unmarked.
Newcastle managed two shots on target in the first half but struggled after the break with Howe making a double change mid-way through the second period. Yoane Wissa and Harvey Barnes were afforded the chance to make the difference.
Howe then handed Woltemade a chance for the final 15 minutes as Bruno made way for the Germany international. Woltemade created a great chance for Wissa as he lofted a fine ball over the defence but Wissa blazed over.
Here's how the Magpies fared in North London:
Nick Pope 5
Almost blotted copybook entirely with a rush of blood when running out to try to stop Gyokeres. The Arsenal forward was fouled by Pope before escaping a VAR review for denying a clear goalscoring opportinity.
Lewis Miley 7
Did not do a lot wrong with a 100% pass completion and four crosses.
Malick Thiaw 6
Like the rest of the Newcastle defence, he switched off for three short corners.
Sven Botman 7
Was pretty solid with five interceptions and four clearances. Now free of the mask he can build on this performance.
Dan Burn 6
Got the nod over Lewis Hall and battled away. Brought some leadership to the table.
Bruno Guimaraes 6
Still not fully fit, but showed some positive signs despite losing the ball a couple of times.
Sandro Tonali 7
A slick enough display but too few are on a different wavelength to him. Had Raya flapping with a stinging shot.
Joe Willock 5
Battled hard against his old club but did not have the answers despite having a free role.
Jacob Ramsey 6
Used on the left but offered little and was outmuscled at times.
Jacob Murphy 3
Rewarded with a start presumably off the back of good training displays this week. Did not manage an accurate cross before being taken off on 66 minutes.
William Osula 4
His evening did not improve much after an air shot on 30 seconds. Left the pitch without managing an attempt at goal and just 12 touches.
Subs
Yoane Wissa 5 (for Osula 66)
Could not have had a better chance to level.
Harvey Barnes 6 (for Murphy 66)
A decent cross for Burn.
Nick Woltemade (for Bruno 75)
Thrown on for a cameo - in midfield. Produced a great moment for Wissa who fired over.
Anthony Elanga (for Willock 86)
*Subs must play 15 minutes to get a mark.
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