Alexander Isak’s early goal lifted Newcastle to a 1-0 win over Arsenal at St. James’ Park on Saturday as Eddie Howe’s men dealt a blow to Arsenal’s title chase with their first win in six Premier League games.

Mikel Arteta’s Gunners remained provisionally third in the standings with 18 points, while the two teams above them – Manchester City and Liverpool – played later on Saturday. Newcastle climbed to eighth place with 15 points.

“We didn’t have the best start to the season performance-wise, but we still got results,” Newcastle defender Lewis Hall told TNT Sports. “In recent weeks, when we were playing better football, we weren’t getting results. This is something we can definitely build on.”

Isak scored his third league goal of the season in the 12th minute after Newcastle cleared the ball wide to Anthony Gordon, who then whipped in a sharp cross from the right that the 25-year-old Swede, who sneaked between defenders Gabriel and William, snuck in . Saliba jumped and headed into the far corner, past David Raya.

“That was huge,” Isak, who has scored 12 goals in his last 12 home league games, told TNT. “A big game against a big team. I think it means a lot, a bit of a statement for us and for the fans that we can win this game.”

“(Buying) is not my strongest quality,” he added. “It feels good to score. The cross was great, all I had to do was jump and put my head on the ball, so credit to him.”

The Magpies, who beat Arsenal by the same scoreline at St. James’ Park last season, did well to keep the visitors off the scoresheet and swamp them every time they got near the penalty area.

Declan Rice headed a cross wide of the net in stoppage time in Arsenal’s best chance of the day, then held his head in his hands in frustration.

Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images

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Arteta’s side squandered a number of other chances, including Bukayo Saka’s header which he fired just wide of the net after a cross from Kai Havertz.

Hall also stood in the way of a great first-half opportunity for Mikel Merino, who smashed the ball towards goal in a crowded six-yard box in Arsenal’s only shot on target.

But Arsenal, winless in their last three league games, generated little else against a Newcastle side that benefited from a gritty 2-0 League Cup win over Chelsea three nights earlier.

“We are all a bit sad because we wanted to win today,” Arsenal’s Saliba told TNT Sports. “Unfortunately we didn’t do that and we didn’t play the game we wanted to play. We deserved to lose today, I think.

“We have to stick together,” he added. “We had such a period last season and we have to stick together and have the confidence to get out of it. We all believe we will come back.”

Saturday’s defeat means Arteta’s side have lost consecutive away games in the competition for the first time since May 2022.