Arteta said prior to the match that it is “too early” to talk about the title race but defeat leaves them in a difficult position.

The Spaniard has suggested that injury troubles have hampered his side at times but, having limped off in last week’s draw against Liverpool, both Gabriel and Jurrien Timber started the match in the North East, with William Saliba also back from suspension.

Bukayo Saka’s fitness has also been a concern but he played 85 minutes against Liverpool, came on as a substitute in the midweek win over Preston and started against the Magpies.

The absence of Martin Odegaard is, however, a clear issue for the Gunners with the lack of fluidity and vision evident against Newcastle.

This fixture last season finished with the same scoreline but was laced with controversy as Gordon’s goal was subject to three VAR checks – all of which came back in Newcastle’s favour – and Arteta labelled the decision a “disgrace”.

But the Arsenal boss can have no complaints about the manner in which his side were beaten this time as the hosts ultimately had the better of them.

Arsenal dominated possession in the second half but lacked cutting edge as Declan Rice headed what was probably their best chance of the game wide in the final minutes.

Arteta’s team were unbeaten until their 2-0 defeat by Bournemouth two weeks ago, but they are now without a win in three league matches and have lost vital ground on their title rivals.