By Victor Kanayo
Arsenal on Saturday suffered another Premier League defeat to Newcastle at St. James’ Park.
It took a goal from Alexander Isak’s early header as Eddie Howe’s men delivered a blow to Arsenal’s title chase with their first win in six Premier League outings.
Isak netted his third league goal of the season in the 12th minute after Newcastle worked the ball out wide to Anthony Gordon who then whipped in a pinpoint cross from the right that the 25-year-old Swede, who sneaked in between defenders Gabriel and William Saliba, leapt to head into the far corner past David Raya.
The Magpies, who beat Arsenal by the same score last season at St. James’ Park, did well to keep the visitors off the scoresheet, swarming them every time they got near the penalty area.
Arsenal, winless in their last three league games, generated very little otherwise against a Newcastle side riding the momentum of a spirited 2-0 League Cup win over Chelsea three nights earlier.
Saturday’s defeat means Arteta’s team have lost successive away league matches for the first time since May 2022.
City Slump
Antoine Semenyo and Evanlison scored as Bournemouth sealed their first-ever win against Manchester City at the Vitality Stadium.
The result ends the champion’s 32-game unbeaten run in the Premier League, a record stretching back to December 6, 2023.
It is also a second defeat in four days for Pep Guardiola’s side following their midweek Carabao Cup exit at Tottenham.
The defeat means City slip to second after Liverpool came-from-behind to beat Brighton, while Bournemouth climb up to eighth.
Reds Soar
Liverpool came from behind to beat Brighton at a rocking Anfield and go top of the Premier League on the day their two title rivals both suffered defeat.
With Arsenal having already lost at Newcastle and Manchester City losing at Bournemouth, Liverpool also looked to be slipping up, trailing 1-0 at half-time to Ferdi Kadioglu’s fine strike.
It was the second time Liverpool and Brighton met this week, with Liverpool beating Brighton 3-2 at the Amex Stadium in the Carabao Cup.
Liverpool, who have won 13 of their 15 games under new manager Arne Slot, are two points above Manchester City.
Forest Ovation
Like Liverpool, inform Nottingham Forest thrashed West Ham United 3-0 same day.
Interestingly, Forest have now won three Premier League games in a row for the first time since May 1999.
The victory lifts Forest up to third in the table, one point above title contenders Arsenal and six behind leaders Liverpool.
