Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle United: 5 Talking Points

#2 Relegation battle on Rafa Benitez's hands

Newcastle United seem to be on a downward spiral yet again

After being relegated at the end of the 2015-16 Premier League season, Rafa Benitez led Newcastle United to the 2016-17 EFL Championship, to make a quick return to England's top-flight competition.

This season, too, began rather well for the Magpies, in what seemed to be a promising sequel to last season's fairytale. Newcastle picked up 14 points from their first 9 games, but seemed to have lost their way entirely, as they now face yet another relegation battle, having won just a solitary point from their next 9.

The defeat to Arsenal marked their 8th defeat in their last 9 games, with the only anomaly being a 2-2 draw against West Brom. This loss, coupled with West Ham's and Crystal Palace's victories, have forced the Magpies to a lowly 18th place in the table, promising tough times ahead.