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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9. Jacob Murphy - 5
Worked hard out of possession but offered next to nothing in the final third. Withdrawn around the hour-mark. | AFP via Getty Images
10. Jacob Ramsey - 5.5
Played on the left wing during his Aston Villa days but largely looked out of sorts after switching from central midfield. | Getty Images
11. Will Osula - 6
Raced in behind and should have given Newcastle a very early lead but comically fell over his own feet. That moment rather summed up his afternoon. | Getty Images
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12. Yoane Wissa (on for Osula, 66) - 5
Wasted the one big chance that fell his way. Blazed over after being played in by Nick Woltemade. | Getty Images