‘Overcritical’ - Shay Given in honest assessment of Newcastle United’s home defeat against Arsenal

Newcastle United legend Shay Given has insisted Eddie Howe should not be ‘over-critical’ of his side after their 2-0 home defeat against title challenging Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.

The Magpies made a promising start to the game as Jacob Murphy struck the post before they had a penalty decision overturned by VAR. The Gunners began to show their class and they took a narrow lead into half-time as Norway international Martin Odegaard fired a low drive beyond Nick Pope.

United again rued their luck in the early stages of the second-half as Alexander Isak headed against a post and Fabian Schar brought a smart save out of Gunners keeper Aaron Ramsdale as Howe’s side poured forwards. But there was to be a decisive blow with just under 20 minutes remaining as Schar diverted a cross past Pope and into his own net to ensure his side were beaten at home for only the second time this season.

Despite the defeat, Given insisted his former side needed ‘a little bit of luck’ during the game as they failed to replicate last season’s St James Park win over Mikel Arteta’s men.

He told Sky Sports: “(There were) plenty of positives. It was two high-level teams and the chances, they’ve hit the post twice, Murphy hit the post, it’s come back to Wilson a bit too fast. If it breaks to Wilson, it’s a tap-in properly. Isak second-half, hit the post with a header.

“I don’t think Eddie can be too over-critical of his team. Maybe defensively, (they were) a bit too open at times but the Isak header is centimetres from going on. Same with the Murphy chance in the first-half. Moments defensively, they could have done better, but in front of goal, they just needed a little bit of luck.”

The result means fifth placed Liverpool are now breathing down Newcastle’s necks in the race for a Champions League spot. The Reds now sit just three points behind the Magpies - although Howe’s side do have the benefit of a game in hand and they will have a chance to put pressure on their rivals by claiming a win at relegation-threatened Leeds United next weekend.

Given insisted Howe’s side have work to do but is hopeful they can finish the job and return to the Champions League for the first time since the former Republic of Ireland international was the Magpies first-choice stopper.

“It would a great shame to miss out but they’ve had an unbelievable season. It’s the reaction. We talk about the pressure Arsenal have not been under challenging for the Premier League before. This Newcastle team have not been here for 20 years, challenging for a Champions League position. So you mention Liverpool, six victories on the bounce and they look like they could win their remaining games - so Newcastle have to get two wins out of their remaining fixtures and hopefully, after a great season, they can finish it off.”

Get the latest Newcastle United headlines with our free football newsletter! Follow the action from St James’ Park and beyond as we bring the sport news to you. Visit our website here to sign up.