Weighed down by two defeats and a draw that darken their recent performance, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal is slipping out of the Premier League race after being outplayed at St. James' Park by Newcastle. The Magpies capitalized on Swedish striker Alexander Isak’s accuracy and a stellar performance from Anthony Gordon to break their losing streak and regain momentum in the Premier League. 

This has happened again in 2024. Arteta hasn’t managed to keep his team steady during a crucial moment, the “make-or-break” period. After an unexpected loss to Bournemouth, their first of the season, Arsenal drew against Liverpool in a critical clash, followed by a loss this Saturday in the tenth round against Eddie Howe’s team.

Now, the Gunners are four points behind Liverpool and five behind City, who still have their games to play. Wins by the Reds and Citizens could create a substantial gap that would be hard to close as the competition progresses.

Newcastle hadn’t won in five games, with two consecutive losses, the most recent against Brighton. The Magpies hadn’t experienced a streak like this since last January. They broke the curse they had been under since September, the month of their last win.

Gordon was key to the victory. The winning goal came from his feet: a brilliant play, a cross from the right to the box, which found Isak, who beat David Raya. Arsenal responded. Bukayo Saka, always incisive, nearly equalized, as did Mikel Merino, the new engine of Arteta’s side with Martin Odegaard out injured.

Arteta’s team took control and pressed forward, but the home team could have secured the result several times with plays led by Gordon, relentless, and Isak, who is on a scoring streak. 

Arsenal couldn’t find Kai Havertz or Leandro Trossard, nor their substitute, Gabriel Jesus. They were close to equalizing in the final moments of added time, with Saka crossing from the right and Declan Rice heading towards the goal, barely missing the post. It didn’t go in. Arsenal is losing ground as Newcastle rises anew.