Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal - Match Report: St James' Park was flooded full of tears

11/03/2024 05:00 AM

And they all came from Mikel Arteta.

Newcastle United pulled off an unexpected 1-0 victory over Arsenal at St. James' Park on Saturday afternoon powered by—who and what else—an early Alexander Isak header.

The win, which came just days after another ridiculous win in the League Cup over Chelsea, lifted the Magpies to ninth in the Premier League (pending Sunday's matchups) and halted a five-game league winless run.

Eddie Howe's boys looked disciplined amid a possession struggle and a game dominated by the Gunners' steady on-ball presence. They went for a high-intensity game plan that thwarted Arsenal's attempts to break through, however, and earned themselves three points.

Isak's goal arrived in the 12th minute, capping off a move that began with Newcastle working the ball out to Anthony Gordon on the right flank. Gordon's cross found Isak, who outmaneuvered Arsenal's defenders Gabriel and William Saliba to head into the far corner past David Raya.

"That was massive," Isak said after the match. "A big game against a big team, I think it means a lot, a bit of a statement to us and to the fans that we can win this game."

Despite Arsenal's domination of possession, Newcastle's well-organized defense held firm, limiting the visitors to a mere 0.23 expected goals (xG) from open play, and a straight 0.00 through the first 45 minutes.

Arsenal managed just one shot on target all game long, and a late opportunity for Declan Rice in injury time ended in disappointment and tears for Mikel Arteta's side.

The win underscored a growing sense of resilience within Howe's squad, who had faced mounting pressure due to their recent league struggles but seems to be catching some momentum ahead of the winter and the next international break.

Having gone five matches without a victory, Newcastle's response in two high-stakes games—knocking Chelsea out of the League Cup midweek and besting Arsenal in the Premier League—signals a renewed confidence might be materializing at St. James' Park.

Howe praised his squad's tenacity and commitment after the match.

"It was a big moment for us and for the team to respond in the way they did," Howe said. "The energy and discipline were key; we needed everyone to be fully committed, and they delivered that."

Newcastle will be in action away visiting Nottingham Forest on Saturday for MD11 of the Premier League campaign.