Arsenal’s recent loss to Newcastle United has raised questions about whether they are still the powerhouse they were last season. The defeat, marked by a lack of sharpness and conviction, suggests that Arsenal may have taken a step back, leaving both fans and analysts concerned about the club’s trajectory.
Before the match, Newcastle’s midweek victory over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup should have signaled to Arsenal that they were up against a tough opponent. However, Mikel Arteta’s squad didn’t seem to fully grasp the challenge.
Although Arsenal controlled possession, they struggled against Newcastle’s aggressive, high-energy approach, which disrupted their rhythm and limited their chances to dominate the game.
Arsenal’s defense was initially bolstered by the news that Gabriel would be fit to play alongside William Saliba after a minor injury scare.
Despite this, Newcastle’s attackers, particularly Anthony Gordon, Joelinton, and Alexander Isak, repeatedly challenged the Arsenal backline. Gordon’s precise cross to Isak resulted in the only goal, with Isak heading it in unchallenged in the 12th minute.
The Gunners had ample time to find an equalizer but were unable to break through. Despite having good scoring opportunities, such as chances from Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka on either side of halftime, Arsenal’s lack of creativity and finishing let them down. Arteta’s players appeared uninspired, and halftime adjustments did little to lift their performance.
As the match wore on, Arteta made further tactical substitutions, including replacing Mikel Merino in the 61st minute after Newcastle’s midfield effectively stifled him. Yet, none of the adjustments managed to change the game’s flow, and Arsenal ultimately fell five points behind Manchester City, who were set to face Bournemouth later that day.
The defeat also casts a cloud over their preparation for a critical Champions League match against Inter Milan midweek, followed by a tough Premier League fixture against Chelsea.
With key playmaker Martin Odegaard still sidelined, Arsenal’s need for a creative spark is more pressing than ever. Reflecting on this performance, many are left wondering if Arsenal’s form has declined from last season, when they narrowly missed out on the title.
Though they began this season strongly, the match against Newcastle highlights vulnerabilities that could hinder their title aspirations, raising doubts about their ability to stay competitive in the intense Premier League race.
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