Arsenal's Champions League hopes fall apart in Newcastle defeat - 5 talking points

Arsenal's hopes of securing Champions League football are all but over after being beaten 2-0 by Newcastle United.

The first 45 minutes looked as if it were a game of attack versus defence at times, such was Newcastle's dominance. The Magpies had their foot firmly on Gunners necks and Mikel Arteta cut a frustrated figure on the touchline. Things got worse for the visitors shortly after the interval when Benjamin White veered the ball beyond Aaron Ramsdale and into his own net to hand the hosts the lead and make an already difficult job nigh on impossible for Arsenal.

In truth, Arsenal never really got going and certainly never played at the pace required to get a result against an in-form Newcastle side. As the Gunners tried to ramp up the pressure for a late flurry, they were caught on their heels again. Bruno Guimaraes put the game beyond any doubt with just over five minutes left to play when he calmly slotted home after the ball popped up following another Ramsdale save.

Arsenal now need Norwich to beat Spurs at Carrow Road to stand any chance of finishing fourth. Mirror Football has taken a look at five of the game's main talking points.

Arsenal are now huge underdogs for Champions League qualification after losing at St. James’ Park.

The result means Tottenham now have the initiative and enjoy a two-point lead over the Gunners going into the final day – where they make the trip to already relegated and bottom-placed Norwich City.

At the beginning of the campaign, particularly after their dismal opening three games, few would have predicted Arsenal to secure fourth spot but given their rise into the top four for much of the second-half of the season – this result will serve as a huge body blow.

The Canaries