Arsenal sure love to make their life complicated! After losing to Tottenham last time out, they served up another mediocre performance and a 2-0 defeat in Newcastle-upon-Tyne to cast their Champions League qualification in serious doubt.Newcastle scored two second-half goals to leave the Gunners in the fifth place and allow Tottenham to sit in the much-desired fourth place ahead of the final matchday. In the past seven trips to the northeast of England, Arsenal won six times – but tonight they seemed powerless against an inspired opponent.In his comments leading up to the match, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said that he was happy his team ensured Premier League survival but that one thing that was missing is playing well and getting points against top-six sides. His players looked determined to change that at a noisy St James’ Park.The Magpies were arguably the better team in the opening 45 minutes. They used every opportunity to bully their opponents, close them down and try to win balls in potentially dangerous positions. But for all the effort, the black and whites failed to create any real chances. Both teams were restricted to shots from outside the box and attempts to drill squared balls into the box. Allan Saint-Maximin and Bukayo Saka were keen to show off their flair but to no avail.Arsenal are one game away from missing out on the Champions League for the fifth straight year 📉 pic.twitter.com/IbKjisjB7G— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 16, 2022 There was a big scare just after the restart as Arsenal’s attempted counter-attack ended with Eddie Nketiah’s elbow landing on Fabian Schar’s head, causing the Swiss defender to briefly lose consciousness and cause an alarm on the pitch. Thankfully, the Switzerland international left the pitch on his feet to be replaced by Jamaal Lascelles as a precaution.Just as the London side started to assume control of the game – a shock! Joelington galloped down the left-wing and delivered a low cross for the onrushing Callum Wilson, who has tonight started his first match since December. The back-tracking Ben White tried to cut off the pass but he knocked into his own net in the process to give Newcastle the lead.Arteta’s men had no choice but to push forward, leaving space for the hosts to hit them on the counter-attack. They were walking a thin line and they were punished.More calamitous Arsenal defending allowed Ryan Fraser to be left one-on-one with Aaron Ramsdale. The Scotsman’s shot was blocked, but the rebound fell neatly for Bruno Guimaraes to slot home and ensure the victory for the home side.Arsenal have now suffered two defeats in a row and are in danger of throwing their season away. Spurs are now two points above with just one match to go.PREMIER LEAGUE – Round 37SundayTottenham – Burnley 1-0 (1-0)/Kane 45+8 pen/Aston Villa – Crystal Palace 1-1 (0-0)/Watkins 69 – Schlupp 81/Leeds – Brighton 1-1 (0-1)/Struijk 90+2 – Welbeck 21/Watford – Leicester 1-5 (1-2)/Pedro 6 – Maddison 18, Vardy 22, 70, Barnes 46, 86/Wolverhampton – Norwich 1-1 (0-1)/Nouri 55- Pukki 37/West Ham – Man.City 2-2 (2-0)/Bowen 24, 45 – Grealish 49, Coufal (og) 69/Everton – Brentford 2-3 (2-1)/Calvert-Lewin 10, Richailson (p) 45 – Coleman (og) 37, Wissa 62, Henry 64/MondayNewcastle – Arsenal 2-0 (0-0)/White 55 og, Guimaraes 85/Tuesday21.45: (8.00) Southampton (5.10) Liverpool (1.42)***odds are subject to change
