Newcastle 2-0 Arsenal: Gunners' top-four hopes dealt huge blow with loss

By Gary RoseBBC Sport

Last updated on 16 May 2022.From the section Premier League2757

Ben White was making his return to the starting XI after recovering from injury

Arsenal's hopes of finishing in the Premier League top four were dealt a huge blow as they were well beaten by Newcastle at St James' Park.

Mikel Arteta's side needed a win to move above Tottenham into fourth and put them in the driving seat to secure a Champions League spot heading into the final weekend of the season.

But they were second best throughout and fell behind early in the second half when Ben White turned the ball into his own net under pressure from Callum Wilson, who was making his first start since 27 December.

Bruno Guimaraes, who has become a cult hero since joining Newcastle at the start of this year, then rounded off the impressive win when he drove into the net as Arsenal struggled to clear.

Arsenal offered next to nothing, with Martin Dubravka only really tested once, with a 25-yard Mohamed Elneny shot in the second half.

Indeed, Newcastle could have won by more with Wilson coming so close to capping a dream return from injury with a stunning long-range effort that dropped just wide of the goal.

The result, which also confirmed Chelsea's finish in the top four, means Arsenal must beat Everton in their final game of the season on Sunday (16:00 BST) and hope Tottenham lose at relegated Norwich.

Newcastle, meanwhile, round off a season that provides encouragement for the future with a trip to Burnley.

Newcastle 2-0 Arsenal: Mikel Arteta admits Newcastle deserved win "by a mile"

Arsenal needed to show up but failed

Arsenal needed a big performance if they were to give their fans hope of finishing in the top four, particuarly after they were well beaten by their fierce rivals Tottenham in last Thursday's north London derby.

Unfortunately, Arteta's side wilted when it mattered most as they were outplayed by Newcastle.

The Gunners were poor throughout the first half as they repeatedly gave the ball away and were having to repel a stream of Newcastle attacks while struggling to build their own opportunities.

They managed to get to get to half-time level but did not heed the warning signs and fell behind just before the hour mark.

Wilson had been a menace throughout as he showed no signs of rustiness on his return to the first team. It was no surprise he was involved in the opener as White turned the ball into his own net as he attempted to prevent the Newcastle forward from getting a shot off.

Arteta was unable to hide his frustrations with the officiating against Spurs - a match in which his team conceded a penalty and had defender Rob Holding sent off - but he can have no complaints here as they were undone by a side who simply showed more hunger and quality.

Newcastle 2-0 Arsenal: Eddie Howe pleased with 'aggressive' Newcastle

Player of the match

WilsonCallum Wilson

with an average of 8.75

Newcastle United
Arsenal

Newcastle United

Squad number9Player nameWilson
Average rating
8.75
Squad number39Player nameBruno Guimarães
Average rating
8.65
Squad number7Player nameJoelinton
Average rating
8.53
Squad number13Player nameTargett
Average rating
8.15
Squad number24Player nameAlmirón
Average rating
8.11
Squad number10Player nameSaint-Maximin
Average rating
8.03
Squad number33Player nameBurn
Average rating
7.94
Squad number5Player nameSchär
Average rating
7.83
Squad number6Player nameLascelles
Average rating
7.77
Squad number21Player nameFraser
Average rating
7.76
Squad number36Player nameS Longstaff
Average rating
7.74
Squad number17Player nameKrafth
Average rating
7.67
Squad number23Player nameMurphy
Average rating
7.65
Squad number1Player nameDúbravka
Average rating
7.44
Squad number34Player nameGayle
Average rating
7.31

Arsenal

Squad number32Player nameRamsdale
Average rating
3.73
Squad number7Player nameSaka
Average rating
3.25
Squad number8Player nameØdegaard
Average rating
3.23
Squad number18Player nameTomiyasu
Average rating
3.18
Squad number35Player nameGabriel Martinelli
Average rating
3.10
Squad number4Player nameWhite
Average rating
3.09
Squad number6Player nameGabriel Magalhães
Average rating
3.08
Squad number25Player nameMohamed Elneny
Average rating
3.01
Squad number34Player nameXhaka
Average rating
2.93
Squad number30Player nameNketiah
Average rating
2.90
Squad number20Player nameNuno Tavares
Average rating
2.78
Squad number10Player nameSmith Rowe
Average rating
2.76
Squad number17Player nameCédric Soares
Average rating
2.54
Squad number9Player nameLacazette
Average rating
2.51
Squad number19Player namePépé
Average rating
2.16

Line-ups
Match Stats
Live Text

Line-ups

Newcastle

Formation 4-3-3

1Dúbravka
17Krafth
5SchärSubstituted forLascellesat 49'minutes
33Burn
13Targett
36S Longstaff
39Bruno Guimarães
7Joelinton
24AlmirónSubstituted forMurphyat 76'minutes
9WilsonSubstituted forGayleat 90+4'minutes
10Saint-MaximinSubstituted forFraserat 77'minutes

Substitutes

3Dummett
6Lascelles
11Ritchie
15Trippier
18Fernández
21Fraser
23Murphy
26Darlow
34Gayle

Arsenal

Formation 4-2-3-1

32Ramsdale
18TomiyasuSubstituted forCédric Soaresat 39'minutes
4WhiteBooked at 8mins
6GabrielSubstituted forPépéat 73'minutes
20TavaresSubstituted forLacazetteat 62'minutes
25Elneny
34XhakaBooked at 90mins
7Saka
8Ødegaard
10Smith RoweSubstituted forMartinelliat 53'minutes
30NketiahBooked at 47mins

Substitutes

1Leno
9Lacazette
17Cédric Soares
19Pépé
23Sambi Lokonga
35Martinelli
65Oulad M'hand
69Swanson
87Patino

Referee:: Darren England
Attendance:: 52,274

Match Stats

Home TeamNewcastleAway TeamArsenal

Possession: Home51%; Away49%

Shots: Home16; Away11

Shots on Target: Home4; Away2

Corners: Home12; Away8

Fouls: Home11; Away8

Live Text

Post update
Match ends, Newcastle United 2, Arsenal 0.
90'+7'
Full Time
Second Half ends, Newcastle United 2, Arsenal 0.

90'+6'
Post update
Attempt missed. Dwight Gayle (Newcastle United) right footed shot from the right side of the six yard box is too high. Assisted by Sean Longstaff.
90'+6'
Post update
Attempt saved. Ryan Fraser (Newcastle United) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Dwight Gayle.
90'+5'
Booking
Granit Xhaka (Arsenal) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
90'+5'
Post update
Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
90'+5'
Post update
Foul by Granit Xhaka (Arsenal).
90'+4'
Substitution
Substitution, Newcastle United. Dwight Gayle replaces Callum Wilson.
90'+2'
Post update
Attempt missed. Cédric Soares (Arsenal) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by Mohamed Elneny.
90'
Post update
Corner, Arsenal. Conceded by Dan Burn.
90'
Post update
Attempt blocked. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Benjamin White.
89'
Post update
Callum Wilson (Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
89'
Post update
Foul by Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal).
85'
Goal!
Goal! Newcastle United 2, Arsenal 0. Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle United) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the top right corner.
84'
Post update
Attempt blocked. Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle United) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Callum Wilson.
83'
Post update
Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
83'
Post update
Foul by Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal).
83'
Post update
Attempt blocked. Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Eddie Nketiah.
82'
Post update
Attempt missed. Callum Wilson (Newcastle United) right footed shot from more than 35 yards is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Martin Dúbravka.
80'
Post update
Foul by Joelinton (Newcastle United).

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2757 comments

Comment posted by pistol, at 22:05 16 May 2022
Spurs owe Newcastle big time, excellent performance by the Toon
Reply posted by Nelly, at 22:06 16 May 2022
Nelly replied:
Not really. They owe Arteta the biggest debt of gratitude. Nice guy, but hasn't a clue how to manage a football team.
Comment posted by Ceciliars, at 22:04 16 May 2022
Arsenal... Oh dear...
Kinda glad they lost after the lack of humility Arteta displayed in the interview after the Spurs match.
Reply posted by Mr and Mrs Banks, at 22:15 16 May 2022
Mr and Mrs Banks replied:
Whilst it was a childish spat, someone needs to explain Nketia’s yellow card to me tonight? He didn’t give it until he went over and looked at Schaar on the floor…
Comment posted by The Grand Wazoo, at 22:03 16 May 2022
120 million for White and Pepe and utterly outclassed and humiliated by Newcastle. It could have and at least six but I'm not going to gloat.

Yes I am, 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 COYS
Reply posted by RDW_SW, at 22:05 16 May 2022
RDW_SW replied:
Really mature post
Comment posted by Stephen Morrell, at 22:17 16 May 2022
Best Toon performance for years - and all the Sky muppets can do is talk about how poor Arsenal were.
Reply posted by Toddy1964, at 22:22 16 May 2022
Toddy1964 replied:
Spot on comment, was just saying exactly the same to my Son
Comment posted by ABS, at 22:05 16 May 2022
After seeing that match I think most would agree that a champions league spot would be totally wasted on Arsenal - they were very poor. Spurs will surely now finish in 4th , very well played tonight Newcastle , brilliant performance.
Reply posted by liverpool supporter right here, at 22:24 16 May 2022
liverpool supporter right here replied:
Tottenham could be playing Europa League football if they fail to get out of the group stages
Comment posted by Paul M, at 22:05 16 May 2022
Who is Arteta going to blame tonight ? He has being hanging on Pep’s coat tails for too long – no class and no tactical ability. Newcastle easily the better side – well done Eddie Howe !!!
Reply posted by Hello, at 22:15 16 May 2022
Hello replied:
He can’t say or he would get banned. It’s a pathetic get out line like his team.
Comment posted by Bad63r, at 22:05 16 May 2022
What a result. Clean sheet against arsenal. Never would have thought that possible earlier in the season
Reply posted by Master_Cade, at 22:09 16 May 2022
Master_Cade replied:
As an Arsenal fan Newcastle are a Pleasure to watch and Eddie Howe is an outstanding young manager. I think they are going to very far with him and the investment.
Comment posted by Petty Evening Moderators, at 22:15 16 May 2022
Sick of Alan Smith talking about Arsenal all through the game !
Then the pundits after the game saying Arsenal didn't turn up....... WRONG, they were simply outplayed by a superb Newcastle performance.
TBH i've not seen a good Arsenal performance all season. They are the most over-rated team in the PL. !
Comment posted by afcbrossco, at 22:18 16 May 2022
To all you Newcastle fans, and there were a lot of you, who doubted Eddie Howe's appointment because you wanted a big name, may you know realise it's about coaching talent not a big name. He did wonders for us at Bournemouth and now you are reaping the rewards of his hard work and skillfull approach to his job. Maybe not a big name but a blooming good Manager and coach. Pleased for you.
Reply posted by liverpool supporter right here, at 22:25 16 May 2022
liverpool supporter right here replied:
Watch Eddie Howe get sacked next season for finishing in mid table
Comment posted by Frozen Horse, at 22:10 16 May 2022
Terrible result for Arsenal, but we simply didn't deserve it.

At the end of the day the league is based on merit.

Good luck in the CL Spurs

Coyg

Also well played Newcastle.
Reply posted by Johnny English, at 22:53 16 May 2022
Johnny English replied:
Nahhh fake post
COYS
Comment posted by Candy Kanes, at 22:04 16 May 2022
I’m so pleased.
I’m so, so, so pleased 🥰
I’m so, so, so, soooooo pleased 🤣

Thank you Newcastle 🙏 What a performance!! From minute one you dominated, in style.

Now, please, Tottenham… kindly beat Norwich.

It’s in our hands…

COYS!!!
Reply posted by Loomis, at 22:07 16 May 2022
Loomis replied:
As my brother in law supports Spurs, you're welcome!
Comment posted by Desi786, at 22:05 16 May 2022
Arsenal’s season ending as it started.
Reply posted by The Spin Doctor, at 22:10 16 May 2022
The Spin Doctor replied:
Arsenal owners your team is embarrassing North London, either do something about it or re-locate to team to Daventry.
Comment posted by Ian, at 22:08 16 May 2022
Can't understand how all the punditry is about how poor Arsenal were. Why is nobody prepared to say how good Newcastle were.
Reply posted by Magpie, at 22:10 16 May 2022
Magpie replied:
Biased garbage but they won’t be able to ignore us for much longer
Comment posted by Chicken Tikka Mo Salah, at 22:05 16 May 2022
Arsenal are a work in progress, they have been for over 15 years.
Reply posted by ABU Hamster, at 22:14 16 May 2022
ABU Hamster replied:
And soon they will have progressed to a championship team.
Comment posted by Billy McFlipFlops, at 22:04 16 May 2022
No surprise really. Just a banter club with ideas above their station.

Well done to Newcastle for putting them in their place for the second time in 5 days
Reply posted by Fan Of Whoever Plays Man Utd, at 22:13 16 May 2022
Fan Of Whoever Plays Man Utd replied:
Worst time of the year to start losing games continuingly.
Comment posted by it aint the heat its the humility, at 22:04 16 May 2022
Newcastle immense commitment and did themselves proud tonight, furthermore to the other top 4 contender, eagerly watching.
Past 4 days in football - 6 points for Tottenham Nil for ArseNil
Great calender year for The Toon
Reply posted by Mr and Mrs Banks, at 22:11 16 May 2022
Mr and Mrs Banks replied:
So why didn’t the Toon play like this against City? Howe needs to have more faith in his team, they’re starting to look really good!
Comment posted by LG C9, at 22:05 16 May 2022
Pepe tripping over the ball at the end - pure chef’s kiss 😘
Reply posted by Specialist_in_tailoring, at 22:11 16 May 2022
Specialist_in_tailoring replied:
I swear he came on for Newcastle!!
Comment posted by GraemeL, at 22:04 16 May 2022
Well played Newcastle! Any decisions you weren't happy with, Mikel?
Reply posted by Pat Pending, at 22:17 16 May 2022
Pat Pending replied:
Probably loafs.
Comment posted by VSS, at 22:04 16 May 2022
It's all a bit goonery
Reply posted by Mr and Mrs Banks, at 22:12 16 May 2022
Mr and Mrs Banks replied:
This comment was removed because it glanced at Arsenals trophy cabinet.
Comment posted by Gooner4life, at 22:42 16 May 2022
I feel sorry for the Newcastle fans tonight. You completely outplayed us, bossed us and thoroughly deserved to win. Yet, 40 minutes after the game has finished, Sky Sports still haven't mentioned that once and just focused on our shambolic display. You deserved better from Sky!
Reply posted by Milano Red, at 22:47 16 May 2022
Milano Red replied:
Brilliantly said. Carragher is a clown. Least Neville talks sense.

	Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts
1	Man City	37	28	6	3	96	24	72	90
2	Liverpool	36	26	8	2	89	24	65	86
3	Chelsea	36	20	10	6	73	31	42	70
4	Tottenham	37	21	5	11	64	40	24	68

5	Arsenal	37	21	3	13	56	47	9	66
6	Man Utd	37	16	10	11	57	56	1	58

7	West Ham	37	16	8	13	59	48	11	56

8	Wolves	37	15	6	16	37	40	-3	51
9	Leicester	36	13	9	14	57	57	0	48
10	Brighton	37	11	15	11	39	43	-4	48
11	Brentford	37	13	7	17	47	54	-7	46
12	Newcastle	37	12	10	15	42	61	-19	46
13	Crystal Palace	36	10	15	11	47	43	4	45
14	Aston Villa	36	13	5	18	49	50	-1	44
15	Southampton	36	9	13	14	41	61	-20	40
16	Everton	36	10	6	20	39	59	-20	36
17	Leeds	37	8	11	18	40	78	-38	35

18	Burnley	36	7	13	16	32	50	-18	34
19	Watford	37	6	5	26	33	75	-42	23
20	Norwich	37	5	7	25	23	79	-56	22

Arsenal needed to show up but failed

Newcastle United

Avg

Arsenal

Avg

Line-ups

Newcastle

Substitutes

Arsenal

Substitutes

Match Stats

Live Text

Comments

Join the conversation

Comment posted by pistol, at 22:05 16 May 2022pistol

Reply posted by Nelly, at 22:06 16 May 2022Nelly

Comment posted by Ceciliars, at 22:04 16 May 2022Ceciliars

Reply posted by Mr and Mrs Banks, at 22:15 16 May 2022Mr and Mrs Banks

Comment posted by The Grand Wazoo, at 22:03 16 May 2022The Grand Wazoo

Reply posted by RDW_SW, at 22:05 16 May 2022RDW_SW

Comment posted by Stephen Morrell, at 22:17 16 May 2022Stephen Morrell

Reply posted by Toddy1964, at 22:22 16 May 2022Toddy1964

Comment posted by ABS, at 22:05 16 May 2022ABS

Reply posted by liverpool supporter right here, at 22:24 16 May 2022liverpool supporter right here

Comment posted by Paul M, at 22:05 16 May 2022Paul M

Reply posted by Hello, at 22:15 16 May 2022Hello

Comment posted by Bad63r, at 22:05 16 May 2022Bad63r

Reply posted by Master_Cade, at 22:09 16 May 2022Master_Cade

Comment posted by Petty Evening Moderators, at 22:15 16 May 2022Petty Evening Moderators

Comment posted by afcbrossco, at 22:18 16 May 2022afcbrossco

Reply posted by liverpool supporter right here, at 22:25 16 May 2022liverpool supporter right here

Comment posted by Frozen Horse, at 22:10 16 May 2022Frozen Horse

Reply posted by Johnny English, at 22:53 16 May 2022Johnny English

Comment posted by Candy Kanes, at 22:04 16 May 2022Candy Kanes

Reply posted by Loomis, at 22:07 16 May 2022Loomis

Comment posted by Desi786, at 22:05 16 May 2022Desi786

Reply posted by The Spin Doctor, at 22:10 16 May 2022The Spin Doctor

Comment posted by Ian, at 22:08 16 May 2022Ian

Reply posted by Magpie, at 22:10 16 May 2022Magpie

Comment posted by Chicken Tikka Mo Salah, at 22:05 16 May 2022Chicken Tikka Mo Salah

Reply posted by ABU Hamster, at 22:14 16 May 2022ABU Hamster

Comment posted by Billy McFlipFlops, at 22:04 16 May 2022Billy McFlipFlops

Reply posted by Fan Of Whoever Plays Man Utd, at 22:13 16 May 2022Fan Of Whoever Plays Man Utd

Comment posted by it aint the heat its the humility, at 22:04 16 May 2022it aint the heat its the humility

Reply posted by Mr and Mrs Banks, at 22:11 16 May 2022Mr and Mrs Banks

Comment posted by LG C9, at 22:05 16 May 2022LG C9

Reply posted by Specialist_in_tailoring, at 22:11 16 May 2022Specialist_in_tailoring

Comment posted by GraemeL, at 22:04 16 May 2022GraemeL

Reply posted by Pat Pending, at 22:17 16 May 2022Pat Pending

Comment posted by VSS, at 22:04 16 May 2022VSS

Reply posted by Mr and Mrs Banks, at 22:12 16 May 2022Mr and Mrs Banks

Comment posted by Gooner4life, at 22:42 16 May 2022Gooner4life

Reply posted by Milano Red, at 22:47 16 May 2022Milano Red

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Comment posted by pistol, at 22:05 16 May 2022

Reply posted by Nelly, at 22:06 16 May 2022

Comment posted by Ceciliars, at 22:04 16 May 2022

Reply posted by Mr and Mrs Banks, at 22:15 16 May 2022

Comment posted by The Grand Wazoo, at 22:03 16 May 2022

Reply posted by RDW_SW, at 22:05 16 May 2022

Comment posted by Stephen Morrell, at 22:17 16 May 2022

Reply posted by Toddy1964, at 22:22 16 May 2022

Comment posted by ABS, at 22:05 16 May 2022

Reply posted by liverpool supporter right here, at 22:24 16 May 2022

Comment posted by Paul M, at 22:05 16 May 2022

Reply posted by Hello, at 22:15 16 May 2022

Comment posted by Bad63r, at 22:05 16 May 2022

Reply posted by Master_Cade, at 22:09 16 May 2022

Comment posted by Petty Evening Moderators, at 22:15 16 May 2022

Comment posted by afcbrossco, at 22:18 16 May 2022

Reply posted by liverpool supporter right here, at 22:25 16 May 2022

Comment posted by Frozen Horse, at 22:10 16 May 2022

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