Newcastle vs Arsenal - Premier League RECAP: Alexander Isak's header inspires the Magpies to victory over Mikel Arteta's listless title hopefuls

Right, it's time for me to shoot off.

It was not a good day at the office for Arsenal - far from it in fact. The Gunners were miles off their best as they were well-beaten by Newcastle.

It means they are winless in three Premier league games and could be eight points off the top by the end of the day.

It could be a major afternoon in the context of the title race, don't you think?

Anyway, I now have to go cover their two title rivals as they look to pull clear of the Gunners.

Over to you, Manchester City and Liverpool.

Just a month ago, away games were Arsenal's bred and butter.

Until they were beaten by Bournemouth, the Gunners had not been beaten on the road in the Premier League in 2024.

Well, that's now two losses on the trot for Mikel Arteta's side on their travels.

They also haven't kept a clean sheet since their win over Tottenham on 15 September.

It's what you call a big blip.

Just listen to that noise!

St James' Park was simply incredible today, the atmosphere was truly top-notch - especially for a lunchtime kick-off.

And it somehow only got louder after the whistle went, the Newcastle fans are in party mode.

Listen, and enjoy (unless you are an Arsenal fan).

Alexander Isak, Newcastle matchwinner, speaking to TNT Sports:

That was massive, against a big team. It means a lot to the fans that we can win this game. It's special of course, our fans are amazing every game, win or lose. So it gives you an extra boost. I have been successful here so hopefully I can keep going.

The cross [for my goal] was amazing, I just had to jump and put my head on the ball, so credit to him. Arsenal have a strong defence and so it is a difficult task but I'm happy we could score today and keep a clean sheet.

We've had a bad spell but hopefully, this win can be a bit of an icebreaker for us.

Well, that did not go to plan for Arsenal, did it?

We came into this game calling it a must-win for the Gunners after just one point from their last six available.

Well, it's now just one from nine and they could be eight points off of leaders Manchester City if they beat Bournemouth today.

While there is still a long road ahead, you just feel like eight points is an insurmountable sum against this City side.

Don't forget Liverpool too, if the Reds eat Brighton this afternoon they will be seven points clear of Arsenal.

Things are not looking good for Mikel Arteta's side...

Raheem Sterling sat on the bench is a damning indictment of his signing to Arsenal. Nwaneri, Zinchenko, White and Jorginho were all preferred off the bench. His move is clearly not working.

Nevertheless, Newcastle’s victory is a significant day in this title race — no matter how early on. This will be an almighty mountain for Arsenal to climb to win the title.

You can barely hear yourself think inside St James' Park, it's rocking.

'Hey Jude' is blasting over the speakers but it is still being drowned out by the Newcastle fans singing their version of it.

What a win that was for Newcastle, that was just like the side we were used to seeing two years ago.

A thoroughly deserved victory and one that will surely kickstart their season again.

A defensive masterclass.

There it is!

Newcastle beat Arsenal at home for the second year running and it's a massive victory for the Geordies.

It's a devastating loss for the Gunners in their hunt for the Premier League title - that's three games without a win now.

The Arsenal players look gutted out there.

Lloyd Kelly is on for the final few moments.

As soon as he comes on the whistles come from the crowd, they want this to be over.

Surely it will be very soon.

Oh my word, what a miss from Declan Rice!!

I can't believe it, Rice misses a header from just five yards out and that is surely the big moment gone.

A cross is whipped into the back post and Rice is in a perfect position to pounce, but he squirts his header wide.

That could be that.

Even Ethan Nwaneri has got the Arsenal bug of playing poorly today.

The youngster has struggled to have an impact since coming on, but he gets the chance to do something as the ball comes his way.

He lines up the effort and goes for it, but it's high and wide.

There will be five minutes of stoppage time for Arsenal to try and find an equaliser.

Can they find it? Personally, I'm not so sure.

Well, that didn't take long, did it?

Jorginho is booked within two minutes of coming on as he hacks down Bruno Guimaraes.

Not the best impact.

Oh, that would have killed Arsenal off...

Harvey Barnes nearly introduces himself with an assist as he drives down the right before floating a cross in.

Joelinton latches onto it with his head at the back post, but David Raya holds onto his effort.

That will be Anthony Gordon's last action of the afternoon.

The winger is replaced by Harvey Barnes as Newcastle look to hold onto their lead.

Arsenal also make a change as Jorginho comes on for Thomas Partey as they push for an equaliser.

Was that the moment?

Bukayo Saka clips a ball to the back post with Gabriel Jesus ready to pounce.

He takes a touch and is ready to hit it but Anthony Gordon comes from nowhere to pinch the ball from him.

Brilliant defending.

Thomas Partey has been in midfield since the hour mark when Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli were taken off.

This has improved Arsenal’s play – but it doesn’t take away from the fact that the visitors have only had one shot at goal.

Anthony Gordon, what are you doing?

Newcastle have the chance for a rare counter but the winger dilly-dallies on the ball as they look to break.

The fans are screaming to warn him Gabriel is coming, but he doesn't listen, and the defender nabs the ball from him.

The final ball just hasn't been there for Arsenal today.

Thomas Partey spots the run of Ethan Nwaneri and tries to slide him in, but the midfielder overcooks the pass and it rolls through to Nick Pope.

Partey then just looks to the sky in disbelief.

Nick Pope is back up and ready to play on.

He may be a busy man in the final stages as Arsenal are starting to put pressure on the Newcastle backline.

Can they break them down?

That just sums up Arsenal's day...

The Gunners try to play intricate one-touch football down the right and then Ben White just passes the ball out of play.

It really has been one of those days, not a single player in red has been on form.

Meanwhile, Nick Pope has gone down with a thigh problem which is a worry for Eddie Howe.

More substitutions - fantastic.

Mikel Arteta is still not happy with how his side are playing, which is not surprising, so makes more changes.

Ben White and Gabriel Jesus enter the action for Jurrien Timber and Leandro Trossard.

I bet Timber is happy to see the back of Anthony Gordon.

It's yellow cards galore in the north east!

This time it's the substitute Sandro Tonali who sees his name go into the book.

This game really does not have any flow right now.

Ethan Nwaneri is on after that brilliant goal midweek vs Preston. A big move which fans have been calling for some time.

‘Ethan Nwaneri, he’s one of our own’ had been sung by the visiting fans for a while here.

Sandro Tonali is already making an impact.

He manages to dance past a couple of Arsenal players until he meets Jurrien Timber.

Timber doesn't fancy being the third so hacks him down and takes the booking.

Now it's Newcastle's turn to make a change.

Joe Willock's afternoon playing against his former side has come to an end.

Sandro Tonali comes on to replace him.

This game is really coming to life now.

That chance seems to have woken Arsenal up and Decland Rice suddenly decides to meander into the area.

It's a brilliant run from the Arsenal man and he manages to get a shot away toward the far corner.

But it rolls agonisingly wide of the post.

What has happened to Arsenal's defence?

They are all over the place at the back and there is acres of space for Alexander Isak to run into.

He takes the opportunity and then decides to have a crack just outside the area, and my word is it a powerful hit.

However, David Raya is equal to it and beats it away.

The stop-start nature of this game has returned.

Ethan Nwaneri's first involvement is getting fouled by Joe Willock in the middle of the park.

Willock is then shown a yellow card to the disgust of the home crowd.

Right on cue, Isaan.

Mikel Merino's nightmare return to Newcastle is now over as he is replaced by Oleksandr Zinchenko.

The exciting prospect Ethan Nwaneri is also on and he replaces Gabriel Martinelli.

Mikel Merino has looked static in the middle. Feels as though an injection of creativity is needed if Arsenal are to get back into this.

Bukayo Saka has had an unusually quiet game thus far. Partly because of limited chances on the ball, but also because Newcastle have been right on their game.

Joe Willock is having a blinding afternoon, I must say.

He has the unenviable task of trying to take on William Saliba but he does not shy from it.

Willock runs at Saliba and drives all the way into the area before letting fly.

It's a decent effort but it flies over the bar.

There's a lot of love for Lewis Hall inside the stadium right now. He is getting better with every game and looks like the answer to Newcastle's longstanding left-back problem. Bukayo Saka has got nothing from him so far.

Now Mikel Merino is in the book and the Newcastle fans absolutely love it.

He hacks down Bruno Guimaraes and as the yellow card is brandished, the home fans burst into cheers.

It's just not Arsenal's day, it seems.

The Gunners' struggles from the first half have bled into the second and surely Mikel Arteta will change something.

The Arsenal boss is deep in conversation with his staff, so expect some substitutions very soon.

Ooooohhh... that one's got to hurt.

Bukayo Saka catches Sean Longstaff in an area where no man wants to be caught. Yep, that area.

It's fair to say, Longstaff takes his time to get back to his feet. I'd do the same.

Dan Burn, that is superb defending!

Gabriel Martinelli comes to life and feeds Leandro Trossard in the box - he look like he's away.

However, Trossard loses his footing as he chases the ball down, and then Burn comes across to make a brilliant tackle.

Come on, Bukayo...

Saka does brilliantly down the right and beats Lewis Hallas he aims to drive into the area.

But for some reason, rather than running onto the ball, he hauls himself to the ground.

Never a foul - that's just diving.

Arsenal’s midfield area has been lacking. It feels as though Thomas Partey being used at right back, and not the middle because of Ben White’s injury, has contributed to that. A huge second half for Arsenal’s season coming up.

Nearly an awful start to the second period for Arsenal.

Anthony Gordon fires the ball up the pitch and Joe Willock is away, can he make it two?

No, he can't. It's a tame strike and David Raya deals with the strike with ease.

Mikel Arteta will not be happy with that start.

Mikel Arteta must not have messed around in that dressing room as Arsenal are back out for the second half very early.

They make no changes at the break and have to wait a fair few minutes for Newcastle to join them on the pitch.

They're here now and off we go!

The likes of Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus came on the pitch to warm up for 5 minutes while the starting line-up were in the changing room.

You can imagine on the pitch will have been a safer refuge than inside that changing room now. Mikel Arteta will be highly charged, you would imagine.

Losing here would leave the Gunners potentially eight points behind Manchester City already. Unassailable lead? Quite possibly.

I told you before the match just how much Alexander Isak loves playing at St James' Park,

Well, he showed it in that first half, didn't he?

The Swedes's opening goal was his 12th home strike in 12 Premier League matches.

Can he add to it in the second half?

The big talking point pre-match was why Howe had left out Tonali. Well, after 45 minutes, that decision looks justified. He and Guimaraes have rarely worked well in the same side and the midfield here is functioning, unlike in recent weeks. Guimaraes has been very good and Longstaff and Willock have added energy and forward running power.

Right, while we take a quick breath, I wanted to talk about both Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka.

They are England's two best right wingers and that first half showed exactly why.

Both Gordon and Saka have been the outlet for their sides with their directness and willingness to take on defences.

Gordon has had Jurrien Timber on toast and easily could have two assists to his name on another day.

Meanwhile, Saka has been the only Arsenal player to cause problems for the hosts.

Dan Burn and Lewis Hall simply can't cope with him, but unfortunately for the winger, his team-mates haven't been quite up to speed.

It's a fascinating battle, I must say.

The noise and energy from Chelsea has spilled over into today, as it had to for Newcastle. Arsenal bossed the opening exchanges but since the brilliant Isak opener, the hosts have just about had better of it. All three results are still in play, but that's a very good half for Howe.

Headers don't get much better than this, do they?

If you haven't seen Alexander Isak's opener, then here is your chance to take a look.

It's a stunning ball from Anthony Gordon, who has been a thorn in Arsenal's backside all half.

But it still needed to be finished off and Isak did that with aplomb.

There goes the whistle, Newcastle lead at the break.

The Arsenal players walk off the pitch with their heads looking at the floor, they look so downbeat.

It's a big 15 minutes coming up for Mikel Arteta - he needs things to change in the second half.

What di I say, again?

Just as I posted that Arsenal don't look likely to score Gabriel Martinelli tries to prove me wrong.

He stands up a cross to the back post with both Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka waiting to pounce.

But Nick Pope charges out and beats them to the ball to calm the danger.

There will be three minutes of stoppage time for Arsenal to try and find an equaliser before the break.

They haven't looked like getting one, mind.

The flow of this game seems to have gone which is suiting Newcastle.

Fouls are now happening every minute and the Newcastle players are in no rush to get up when it's on one of them.

The Arsenal players are really starting to show their frustration.

We have our first yellow card of the half.

It goes the way of Fabian Char for kicking the ball away after conceding a free-kick.

The Arsenal fans then ironically cheer... we all know why.

Arsenal really don't look like their usual selves here.

They have been really sloppy on the ball and just as I type this Gabriel gives the ball away at the back.

This game is there for the taking for the Magpies.

Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly have just started warming up on the touchline. They’re unlikely to be introduced anytime soon, but something needs to change for the Gunners heading towards half-time.

Since scoring Newcastle have played some brilliant stuff and have knocked Arsenal from their early rhythm. They're unsettled now and hosts good value for the lead. Gordon causing all sorts of problems down right.

The Arsenal fans aren't happy with the referee - what's new?

Mikel Merino catches Bruno Guimaraes who is down in pain but the visiting supporters don't care about that.

They sing a mean chant toward John Brooks.

Guimaraes is still down receiving treatment on the top of his foot, he does not look comfortable.

It feels like it's corner after corner for Arsenal at the moment.

This latest one is not up to their usual standard as William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli get mixed up at the back post.

Not much is going the Gunners' way right now.

How are Arsenal not level?

Mikel Arteta is in disbelief, and so am I, as Lewis Hall makes a brilliant block on the line.

William Saliba nods the ball back across goal from a corner and Mike Merino hammers it toward the net.

But Hall is there to save the day for Newcastle.

Arsenal should be level!

Bukayo Saka is furious at his team-mates after doing brilliantly on the right-hand side.

He arrows the ball across the six-yard box and it just needs to be tapped home by an Arsenal player.

But there is no one there and Fabian Schar manages to hook it clear in the nick of time.

Anthony Gordon is on smoke today, my word.

He has Jurrien Timber on toast down the right and drives past him and into the box.

He then fires a fizzing cross toward the back post with Joelinton lurking but it takes a selection and goes behind for a corner.

The resulting set-piece comes to nothing.

Oh, how Joe Willock would love to score against his old club.

After minutes of build-up play from the hosts, the ball comes Willock's way.

There is only one thing on his mind as he goes for goal but he arrows the ball slightly wide.

A decent effort.

Newcastle have grown in confidence since the goa, I know, what a shock.

Joelinton is heavily involved down the left and is constantly looking to find the head of Alexander Isak.

I mean, why wouldn't you after his opener.

So close to a leveller for Arsenal!

Kai Havertz stands up a cross to the back post and Bukayo Saka is lurking ready to pounce.

he manages to leap up highest and gets a good header on the ball as he aims for the near post.

But it flies marginally wide of the mark.

Now this is another test of Arsenal's resolve.

They are already two games without a win and they will now need to come from behind to get one here.

This is a huge moment in their season now!

A magnificent opening goal, Isak heading home from Gordon’s wicked delivery from the right. Against the run of play but it’s a top-class goal.

What a header that is!

With their first c chance of the game, Newcastle take the lead and what a goal it is.

Anthony Gordon bends a beautiful cross right onto the head of Alexander Isak.

The Swede then arrows the ball into the back of the net with one hell of a header.

St James' Park goes berserk.

Jurrien Timber, I was not familiar with your game...

The Arsenal defender breaks the lines brilliantly and suddenly Arsenal are in the Newcastle box.

The ball is worked to Bukayo Saka but he drives a low effort wide.

Arsenal's set pieces must scare the life out of opponents.

Declan Rice swings one in with Gabriel waiting in the wings, but he nearly doesn't need him.

Rice bends the corner all the way toward the top corner but Nick Pope manages to punch the ball away.

Oh, Mikel Merino...

The Spaniard obviously wants to score against his old side but he is never going to do it with an effort like that.

The midfielder tries to lob Nick Pope from just inside the Newcastle half and it goes out for a throw-in.

It's fair to say, the homes fans enjoyed that one.

That's much better from Newcastle.

After a tough start the hosts make their first foray forward and it brings a corner after Bruno Guimaraes sees his cross blocked by Gabriel.

And all of a sudden the deafening noise is back from the Newcastle fans.

However, the resulting corner is pretty pants.

The first chance falls to the visitors.

Arsenal look like they mean business and Leandro Troassard finds himself in a good position on the edge of the box.

He aims for the far corner but his effort is poor and brings ironic cheers from the crowd.

He should really do better and the Newcastle fans let him know it.

A bright start from Arsenal.

Buklayo Saka has already had two runs at Dan Brun down the right and all of a sudden Newcastle are camped in their own box.

The Gunners keep them there for a solid 60 seconds but in the end, the hosts manage to hook the ball clear.

Following The Last Post there is a huge roar and the Newcastle fans burst out into song.

St James' Park's atmosphere is as good as it can get - they are really up for this one.

Alexander Isak gets the ball rolling...

St James Park falls silent as The Last Post is played on the trumpet and the players pay their respects around the centre circle.

There is a large poppy mosaic displayed in the East Stand in what is Newcastle's last home game before Remembrance Day.

Oh no... now we have to listen to the dreaded Premier League anthem.

It's a cauldron of noise as the two teams come out of the tunnel but it's ruined when that tune is played.

If you follow all these blogs, you'' know just how much I dislike it.

Anyway, it's over after 20 seconds and now the teams are going into their final huddles before kick-off.

It's absolutely bouncing inside St James' Park!

Big game for Arsenal to bounce back. After drawing against Liverpool and losing to Bournemouth in the Premier League, the Gunners can’t afford to go three league games winless.

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal boss, speaking to TNT Sports:

To play these big matches in these beautiful stadiums against great opponents - that is what we want. Playing with 11 players is critical and then the availability of the squad.

That is what we had well last season and then you can challenge. Then the games are decided by fine margins. The team has shown great ability to adapt and then it is decided by moments."

It's too early. We're just focusing on us. All the positive things ae are doing and how we can improve. We lost momentum against Liverpool. We are a team that when we have momentum and belief is high we are very difficult to play against.

We have to show our teeth. When things are against you that's when you show yourself. Today is a great opportunity to show that.

I wonder what Kai Havertz is looking at?

The striker is gazing into the distance - maybe he is just imagining scoring a bit later today.

All the players have nearly completed their warm-ups now, kick-off is just over 15 minutes away.

I can't wait!

Is anybody else as excited as I am?

We are now less than 25 minutes away from kick-off at St James' Park, can't we just fast forward to 12,30? I wish.

The fans are starting to make their way into the ground and there is already a buzz.

It's going to be electric today.

Eddie Howe, Newcastle boss, speaking to TNT Sports:

It [the win against Chelsea] lifted us. It's been a difficult start to the season, we know we needed a response. We are improving game upon game and it needs to continue against Arsenal.

I wouldn't change this for anything. I'm desperate for success and desperate for a trophy. My job is not done, we have more to achieve.

Today is Newcastle's closest home match to Remembrance Sunday next week.

It means that both Newcastle and Arsenal will sport poppies on their shirts in today's match.

They will remember them.

It could be a landmark day in Arsenal's history today?

The Gunners have won 1,999 matches in the top flight, which includes when it was both the First Division and the Premier League.

If they win today they will join fellow title challengers Liverpool on 2,000 victories.

That's a lot of wins, isn't it?

The Newcastle crew are looking focused.

No room for smiles, unless you're Harvey Barnes that is. He certainly looks in high spirits.

I love seeing the differing approaches each player takes in the lead-up to big matches.

Some have laser-sharp focus while others take a more relaxed approach.

Which would you take?

Chris Sutton, It's All Kicking Off! co-host, on BBC Sport:

This is a bit of a grudge match after what happened when Arsenal came to St James' Park last season and lost to a controversial Anthony Gordon goal.

I worry about Arsenal in the final third too, though, because they are wasteful as well. The Gunners really need a win here to cling on to the tail of leaders Manchester City.

That subheading is a saying that Anthony Gordon definitely lives by.

Gordon has 17 goal involvements in his last 22 Premier League appearances at St James' Park, with 10 of those goals.

And he's not the only one who loves it in the north east.

Alexander Isak has also had a hand in 17 goals but in even fewer appearances.

The Swede has 15 goals and two assists in his last 16 starts at home.

Not bad, eh?

I think it's time we rewind 363 days...

On 4 November 2023, Arsenal fans would leave St James' Park raging after their first defeat of the season.

It was courtesy of a second-half Anthony Gordon goal that would be talked about for weeks and months after.

It's fair to say, it was controversial.

There were three VAR checks in what was one of the longest reviews in the history of the sport.

Arsenal thought the goal had gone out of play before a cross went in, then they thought there was a foul on Gabriel by Joelinton.

There was also a questionable offside decision in there.

Despite all of these things, the goal was given and Newcastle secured all three points.

The Gunners will certainly be out for revenge today.

Mikel Merino looks happy to be back in the north east.

Arsenal's new midfield maestro spent just a solitary season at Newcastle before moving to Real Sociedad in 2018.

It's fair to say, he struggled in the famous black and white shirt.

He is not the same player anymore, though, he really impressed me against Liverpool last week.

Can he continue his fine form against his former employer?

It's a huge call from Eddie Howe to leave out Sandro Tonali, who enjoyed his best game of the season on Wednesday against Chelsea.

The logic will be that three games in six days is a big ask, but I would have kept him in given the morale boost of his midweek display.

Right, we have to talk about this.

I bet Arsenal fans who have just seen the team news are absolutely beaming right now.

They have their beloved centre-back duo back playing together once more as Gabriel has been passed fit.

Was there ever any doubt?

personally, I just always had that inkling that Gabriel would return o fitness for this match.

Alan Shearer, former Newcastle striker, speaking to Betfair:

It's going to be a great atmosphere at St James’ Park and the win against Chelsea in the cup will hopefully kick-start Newcastle's season.

Arsenal have one or two injuries themselves so it's a tough one to call because they won't like coming to St James' Park with the great atmosphere and the defeat there last season. Having said that, they are a great team, so I'll go for a score draw.

We have our answer.

Gabriel passes a late fitness test and will partner up with William Saliba at the back for Arsenal.

After all the crisis talk, it appears are just on player from their strongest back four.

While he is available, Ben White is not trusted and drops to the bench while Thomas Partey stays right-back.

Mikel Merino starts against his former side.

Interesting...

Eddie Howe has dropped Sandro Tonali with Bruno Guimaraes returns to captain the side.

Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff keep their places, however.

Meanwhile, Joelinton is being trusted on the left-wing once again by Eddie Howe.

Arsenal fans have been worried about Gabriel's fitness all week.

The Gunners' defensive crisis has been the topic of much debate since their draw to Liverpool last week.

With Riccardo Calafiori out of action and Jurrien Timber also hobbling off last week, things looked bleak.

However, with William Saliba returning after suspension, Arsenal will at least have one of their man centre-backs today.

But will they have Gabriel available too?

Based on what Mikel Arteta said yesterday, I believe they will. The Spaniard said he would be available if he trained on Friday.

And with Arteta, he usually takes the risk.

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager, speaking on Friday:

The league position after nine games is very tricky. [Newcastle] are super intense and I'm looking forward to it.

On the touchline, I haven't got to the point where I go into meditating mode. Maybe I should. When they change the rules about certain behaviours, we need to adapt and that's what I've tried to do.

I don't want to miss any games. I can't promise that if we score a goal, I won't jump up and down the touchline. So far, it has worked.

Is it too early to be saying this?

I mean, Arsenal are five points behind leaders Manchester City and four behind Liverpool in second after nine matches.

While there is no reason they can't claw those points back, they have to start winning games consistently.

If the Gunners draw or lose today and both their rivals pick up three points, that dream of a first title in 20 years just gets less likely.

If they win, though, they are right in the hunt and their confidence will be back.

It may only be the 10th game of the campaign, but the stakes are already high.

That's what makes this league so enticing!

What a start to the day, eh?

Over the past few years, Newcastle and Arsenal have played out some epic affairs.

I know many Arsenal fans who point to last year's controversial loss at St James' Park as a factor in why they didn't win the Premier League.

That encounter last year will certainly be in the minds of Mikel Arteta and the players too - even if they deny it.

With so many different factors to add to the mix, I just know we are set up for a betting lunchtime kick-off.

I'm not sure I could have thought of a better game to get the weekend going.

Anyway, let's get this show on the road, shall we?