Premier League: Isak’s header wins it for Newcastle against hapless Arsenal

For the second season in a row, Newcastle United made a major dent in the premier league title ambitions of Mikel Arteta’s side by claiming a 1-0 win at St James’ Park.

However, while last season’s victory proved hugely controversial, with Anthony Gordon claiming a contentious winner, no one could question the Magpies’ right to all three points this time around.

Newcastle were brilliant – committed and supremely well-organised in defence while also being sharp and incisive in attack.

Eddie Howe’s team selection worked, with Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock both performing excellently in midfield, and Lewis Hall was superb once again as he successfully shackled Bukayo Saka.

Newcastle’s defensive excellence meant that one goal was sufficient to claim victory, and it was a beauty, with Alexander Isak towering above the Arsenal defence as he headed home Gordon’s 12th-minute cross.

On the back of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup victory over Chelsea, this has been a potentially season-changing four days for Newcastle.

Howe kept Willock and Longstaff in his starting line-up, with the pair having impressed in the Carabao Cup win, which meant Sandro Tonali dropping down to the bench.

Willock played in an advanced role down the left, often playing ahead of Joelinton, with Gordon remaining on the right-hand side.

Gordon would prefer to be in his more usual position on the opposite side of the field, but he can be just as effective on the right, as proved by the 12th-minute assist for Alexander Isak’s opener.

Having been picked out by Longstaff, Gordon swung a superb ball into the middle, with Isak outjumping Gabriel to powerfully head home.

Arsenal went close with a Saka header that flew wide at the back post following a cross from Kai Havertz, but Newcastle continued to play with intensity and a high level of physical energy and the hosts went close again midway through the first half.

Willock flicked on Bruno Guimaraes’ long-range strike, but the ball flew straight at David Raya, who was able to save.

Arsenal were struggling to create much from open play, but the Gunners have caused problems from set-pieces all season and they almost equalised from a corner just before the half-hour mark.

Declan Rice swung the ball into the middle, William Saliba nodded down at the back post, but while former Newcastle midfielder Mikel Merino hammered a close-range shot goalwards, Hall got in the way to produce a crucial block.

Newcastle’s defensive commitment was one of their key assets, with the home side repeatedly closing down Arsenal’s creative players to prevent them from being able to thread balls into the box.

The hosts also continued to carry an attacking threat, and went close to claiming a second goal in the first minute of the second half. Gordon played Willock into the right of the area, but the former Arsenal midfielder’s shot was straight at Raya, who saved.

Willock threatened again just before the hour mark, driving past Saliba into the left of the box, but flashing a rising drive over the crossbar.

Newcastle were enjoying a threatening period, and Raya was called into action again shortly after, parrying Isak’s well-struck, long-range effort.

Arsenal struggled to create clear-cut chances as they tried unsuccessfully to claim an equaliser, with their best opportunity coming to nothing in stoppage time when Rice headed Saka’s cross wide at the back post.

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