Twitter explodes as Arsenal damage Champions League qualification hopes after 2-0 loss at Newcastle
Arsenal may have just surrendered a top-four spot with a shock 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United at St James' Park on Monday, May 16.
Having been beaten 3-0 in the north London Derby by their top-four rivals Tottenham Hotspur, the onus was on Mikel Arteta's side to get back to winning ways.
They trailed Spurs by two points heading into the game against Newcastle. But they struggled to get a foothold in the game and were a replica of Arsenal's teams of yesteryear, nervous at the back and lacking firepower up top.
Newcastle controlled large portions of the game and were the dominant side throughout the first-half.
Aaron Ramsdale, who hasn't been at his best recently in what has otherwise been an impressive debut season, looked unsure throughout.
The English goalkeeper made a vital save to deny Allan Saint-Maximin in the first-half. He could do nothing about Ben White's own goal in the 55th minute, though, following good play from Joelinton who sent in a cross.
The ball ricocheted off Callum Wilson and onto White before going agonizingly past Ramsdale.
And although the Gunners did improve following the goal, Newcastle still looked dangerous with Wilson impressing in his first appearance since December. The English striker nearly chipped Ramsdale from long range in the 81st minute.
Bruno Guimaraes, who was an Arsenal target in January, got on the scoresheet in the dying embers to throw the Spaniard's top-four chances into jeopardy.
Here are some reactions from Twitter on a damaging night for Mikel Arteta's men's pursuit of Champions League football:
Ben White is Koscielny with a successful first round application for Ex on the Beach
Ben White is the first player to score a goal for Newcastle against Arsenal since Mikel Arteta took charge of the club. ๐
That Mikel Arteta contract extension starting to look real funny now.
If you back Arteta, you hate Arsenal.
Zero debate
We bottled +4 point lead to -2 in two just games. Wow @m8arteta
When you realise arsenal gave arteta a new contract https://t.co/k4FoQP4F2B
Arsenal fans will blame the ref for that own goal from Ben White.
#Arsenal whenever they have to defend a top 4 spot https://t.co/rmR3OFARja
Arsenal fans spent all year telling us theyโre back and making a chant about Arteta taking them back to the champions league just to bottle it ๐ญ๐ญ
Ben White when heโs got a chance to bottle top 4 https://t.co/sdta95w8gd
Its been 5 mins of second half i am yet to see a single Arsenal attack lmao
Arsenal playing with the handbrake on. No outlet, no possession #NEWARS
This Arsenal team is playing as if there's nothing at stake, and Newcastle is playing as if they may be missing out of the UCL if they lose or draw. The irony.
I did like arsenal to play in the CL but they are not playing like they want to play in the CL. #COYG #TEAMARS #NEWARS
@AFTVMedia If we don't get top 4 am sorry but I don't see how we should continue with Arteta. That would be 3 seasons of failure. I know Arsenal won't sack him as they think 5th is an achievement but it isn't for me
Fucking shocking. Fucking bottling cunts.
If Arsenal lose this Arteta has genuinely done a worse job than Ole did in back-to-back seasons but gets lauded as though he birthrd the new Arsenal lmao.
FFS Arsenalโฆ show some bloody fight.
Newcastle deserve that goal, Arsenal have been awful! #NEWARS #MNF
Newcastle 1-0. It's been coming. Arsenal been so poor, despite needing a win for top four spot
Dear Arsenal,
Thank You for ruining our UCL hopes
See you next season on Thursday night football
Nkwasiafuor
#Arsenal top four dream over.โ
Arsenal bottling the Top 4
It was nice while it lasted guys
#NEWARS
why the fuck am i an arsenal fan
@Arsenal @LacazetteAlex @NunoTavares You made UCL comps ๐คฃ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
https://t.co/hQ94BdtJNf
Arsenal need somewhat of a miracle on final day of the season following Newcastle loss
With there being just two points separating the two north London rivals, all attention turns to the final day which will decide the two sides' fates.
Arsenal host relegation candidates Everton, who will be fighting for their lives to secure another season in the top flight. The Toffees are currently 16th, two points ahead of 18th placed Burnley.
Meanwhile, Spurs, who have a two-point lead over Arsenal now, face a Norwich City side who have already been relegated.
The Canaries have lost their last four Premier League matches and have won just seven all season. Tottenham fans will be confident that they can get past Dean Smith's side and secure Champions League football.
It would be a remarkable achievement for Antonio Conte, who has masterminded a phenomenal turnaround at Spurs.
Arsenal will be kicking themselves for sqaunadering a great chance at UCL qualification having been in such a promising position. The Emirates faithful will be praying Norwich can spring a surprise on the final day as Newcastle may have just ended their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.