Nick Pope made the mistake, but one Newcastle man is clear to blame in 2-1 loss to Arsenal

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Nick Pope made a mistake in the dying embers of Newcastle against Arsenal, which led to Gabriel Magalhaes scoring the winning goal on Sunday afternoon.

It was a day to forget for Newcastle United and Eddie Howe. Despite Nick Woltemade giving the Magpies an early lead with a first-half header, the second half was a miserable affair for the home side at St James’ Park.

Arsenal, meanwhile, were in dreamland. Goals from Mikel Merino and Gabriel Magalhaes secured all three points in Newcastle’s backyard.

While Nick Pope’s error proved costly, it would be unfair to pin the defeat solely on him.

Eddie Howe to blame for Newcastle’s loss to Arsenal

Instead, Howe needs to take the blame for Newcastle’s loss to Arsenal.

Newcastle were 1-0 up, were battering the Gunners at times, but in the second half, they simply shut up shop. Mikel Arteta’s tactics, on the other hand, were spot on.

Of course, a Tino Livramento injury didn’t help, but Newcastle finished the game with four centre-halves on the pitch.

Arsenal are undoubtedly a top side, but Howe’s negative approach allowed pressure to build, and Arteta’s team capitalised.

Howe told beIN Sports: “I don’t think we were quite at our best today, credit to Arsenal. Although the effort and defensive resilience was huge from the team.”

That defensive resilience, however, only lasted until the 84th minute, when Mikel Merino headed home the winner.

Where are Newcastle in the Premier League after defeat to Arsenal?

The win would have been massive for Newcastle, but a draw leaves the Geordies 15th on just six points from six games.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
10	FulhamFulham	6	2	2	2	7	8	-1	8
11	LeedsLeeds	6	2	2	2	6	9	-3	8
12	EvertonEverton	5	2	1	2	6	5	1	7
13	BrentfordBrentford	6	2	1	3	9	11	-2	7
14	Manchester UnitedManchester United	6	2	1	3	7	11	-4	7
15	NewcastleNewcastle	6	1	3	2	4	5	-1	6
16	Aston VillaAston Villa	6	1	3	2	4	6	-2	6
17	Nottingham ForestNottingham Forest	6	1	2	3	5	10	-5	5
18	BurnleyBurnley	6	1	1	4	6	13	-7	4
19	West HamWest Ham	5	1	0	4	5	13	-8	3

They take on Nottingham Forest next week, which is simply a must-win game for Howe and his side.

With Champions League games coming thick and fast, it’s quickly shaping up to be a strenuous season at St James’, and if the results don’t turn soon, then the fans might.