What Declan Rice did immediately after Newcastle defeat sums up Arsenal’s day

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Arsenal produced a really disappointing display against Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

The Gunners don’t have a great recent record at Tyneside, and that got worse on Saturday afternoon. Alexander Isak scored the winner in a 1-0 win for Newcastle.

Not a single Arsenal player can come out of the game with their head held high. Every one of Mikel Arteta’s men had a poor display.

Declan Rice, who is usually so good, was far from his best today.

What Declan Rice did right after Arsenal’s defeat to Newcastle United

Arsenal were unbeaten in away Premier League games since the turn of the year, but they have now lost two consecutive fixtures on the road.

That is not a good look at all, and Arteta should be very worried.

Arsenal looked far from their best from the start of the game. Newcastle just seemed to want it more, and they deservedly won the game.

Rice was very inconsistent with his set-pieces, was nowhere near as dominant as he usually is in midfield and to make things worse, he missed a sitter to equalise late in the game.

It was an evening to forget for the Englishman, and what he did after the full-time whistle summed up his and Arsenal’s performance at St James’ Park.

Stuart Pearce was watching Rice from the commentary box and he said on talkSPORT at 2:29 pm: “It’s interesting. I saw Declan Rice walk off the pitch and down the tunnel just in front of us.

“Because I know Declan very well, watching him, I know what his body language is like, he was shaking his head, disappointment of the defeat, and I think the expectation as well was etched on his face, you know, what was expected this year.”

Things are about to get more difficult for Arsenal

Arsenal have failed to win any of their last three Premier League games after winning five of their first seven.

The Gunners’ title hopes have been dented now, and although a lot of the season is still left to be played, the damage may well have already been done.

To make things worse, Arteta has two more extremely difficult away fixtures coming up.

Arsenal travel to Italy next to face Inter Milan at the San Siro. Even Manchester City couldn’t beat them in the Champions League earlier this season.

Right after that, the Gunners go to Stamford Bridge for a game against Chelsea. The Blues have improved under Enzo Maresca and they will pose a tough challenge.

It will not be easy, but Arsenal need to win both of those games to get the confidence back. If they don’t, their season could be over in November.