Arsenal’s winless run in the Premier League continues as they fell to a 1 nil loss to Newscastle at St. James’ Park in a lunch time kick off.
Alexander Isak’s 14th minute header made the difference as Mikel Arteta’s side played far from being impressive.
The Swedish striker rose highest as he met Antony Gordon’s lofted cross into the box with a brilliant header into the top left corner of goal.
Even though Arsenal had the better possesion in the match, Mikel Arteta’s side lacked the drive and desire to trouble Newcastle.
It also appears that the Gunners missed the creativity and sleekness of injured Martin Ordegaard as they struggled to play in the final third of the pitch.
Arsenal’s lack of a proper striker also came to bare even though Kai Havertz played the role with Leandro Trossard behind him.
Arsenal only had one shot on target which came in the first half of the match while the home side had four.
Declan Rice had perhaps the biggest chance for Arsenal late in the game but the 25-year-old midfielder couldn’t direct his hearder towards goal.
The lack of character to switch play on the manager’s part appears that that the former Pep Guardiola might have hit a break wall with this squad.
Arteta struggled to find solution for his wingers who got shut down by at least two Newcastle players each time they received the ball.
A section of disgruntled Arsenal fans believe that Arteta needs to give Ethan Nwaneri, the 17-year-old youngster more playing time.
The midfielder is appears to be the best creative option at the moment.
While Arteta might agree, the physicality from the Toons Army might have influenced the decision not to start him today.
Arsenal are now winless in three Premier League games and the next round of fixtures will see the Gunners travel to Chelsea and Nottingham Forest at home after the international break.
It’s up to Mikel Arteta to find a quick solution to Arsenal’s creativity problem as they prepare to face Inter Milan on Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League.
