Newcastle United suffered a fifth straight defeat following a narrow 1-0 loss to Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Eberechi Eze’s ninth minute goal proved to be the difference between the two sides as the Magpies switched off from a short corner routine.
Eddie Howe’s side stay 14th in the Premier League and may be looking over their shoulder. They are eight points above the relegation zone following afternoon wins for West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur with four games left to play.
Nick Pope started in goal and captain Bruno Guimaraes returned to the starting XI as Eddie Howe made five changes from last Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at home to AFC Bournemouth.
Dan Burn, Joe Willock and Jacob Murphy were also recalled as Aaron Ramsdale, Lewis Hall, Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga dropped to the bench, while Tino Livramento missed out with a thigh injury.
Will Osula fell over his own feet and Guimaraes fired over in what was a bright start from the Magpies until Eberechi Eze put Arsenal in front in the ninth minute.
Noni Madueke played his corner short to an unmarked Kai Havertz who then found an unmarked Eze and the former Crystal Palace man unleashed his shot into the top left corner.
Here are our Newcastle United player ratings:
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1. Nick Pope - 6
Most likely brought back into the starting XI to help deal with Arsenal’s set pieces but was totally taken out of the equation for Arsenal’s opener. Risked being sent off after charging off his line before fouling Viktor Gyokeres. | AFP via Getty Images
2. Lewis Miley - 7
Preferred to Kieran Trippier at right-back with Tino Livramento out injured and again didn’t look out of place. Watched Eberechi Eze’s opener fly past him. | AFP via Getty Images
3. Malick Thiaw - 7
Read the game with some key interceptions, including a last-ditch one to stop Noni Madueke from getting a shot away in the first-half. | AFP via Getty Images
4. Sven Botman - 6
Had to cover for Dan Burn at times after the left-back was doubled up on by Ben White and Noni Madueke. Didn’t use the ball particularly well. | Getty Images