Newcastle United’s Champions League qualification bid goes to the final day following their 1-0 defeat against Arsenal.
Howe made one enforced change from last Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Chelsea. Alexander Isak was absent with a groin problem, which saw Callum Wilson handed only his second Premier League start of the campaign.
The Newcastle boss also continued with his 3-5-3 system after Sven Botman was passed fit, despite going off with a knee complaint last weekend.
United started well in North London and were left wondering how they weren’t in front at half-time after David Raya denied the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Tino Livramento, Harvey Barnes and Dan Burn.
Typically, the Magpies were punished for their missed chances 10 minutes into the second-half when Declan Rice smashed the ball past Nick Pope from 20 yards.
Howe reacted by making a triple change on the hour-mark when Emil Krafth, Lewis Miley and Will Osula replaced Jacob Murphy, Sven Botman and Wilson.
But Newcastle couldn’t find an equaliser. They now head into their final day clash against Everton still needing a win to secure Champions League qualification.
Our writer Jordan Cronin was at the Emirates Stadium - and here are his Newcastle United player ratings:
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1. GettyImages-2215745602
Getty Images
2. Nick Pope - 7
Often played the sweeper keeper role and pulled off a point-blank save to deny Thomas Partey from Buyako Saka’s corner. Could do little about Declan Rice’s strike. | AFP via Getty Images
3. Jacob Murphy - 6
Managed to get forward and cope with Gabriel Martinelli relatively well. Just lacked that cutting edge. | Getty Images
4. Fabian Schar - 7
Made some important blocks in what was a generally steady performance by the former Switzerland international. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images