Monday night’s away trip to Newcastle proved a big blow to Arsenal’s top-4 hopes as the Gunners slumped to a 2-0 loss following a disappointing performance. Last week’s North London derby loss had already given their rivals Tottenham the advantage in the chase for the UCL spots but Monday’s loss means that even a draw would be enough for Spurs against relegated Norwich in the final game week.
A Ben White own goal and a Bruno Guimaraes 85th minute strike in the second half were deserved goals for Eddie Howe’s men who saw more of the ball and created more clear-cut chances than the Gunners.
For many Arsenal fans, it was an inexplicable loss against Newcastle as the same set of players were able to defeat Chelsea, Manchester United and West Ham on the trot earlier this month. The bizarre drop in the form now means that the north London side could fail to qualify for Champions League football for the sixth year in a row.
However, more than the astonishing recent performances by Arsenal, Monday’s game also highlighted further incredulous sightings on the pitch.
As Newcastle took the game to Arsenal using their physical prowess through the likes of Guimaraes, Joelinton and Callum Wilson, causalities were spotted across both sides at St. James’ Park.
In the 27th minute of the game, Wilson received a whack in the face and immediately rushed over to the touchline for treatment as he had only returned to the squad over the weekend following a calf injury.
But as the medical staff were examining his face, Wilson looked to have dislodged his front incisor when the camera focused on him. While the injury looked gruesome enough, the Newcastle man cast an unfazed expression incredibly as the club medics were treating him.
Props to Callum Wilson. About to lose his front tooth but hurries straight back onto the pitch to try & get on the end of a few crosses. Now there’s a leader… #NUFC 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/85Hkj3hz3Z
— Ryan Taylor (@RyanTaylorSport) May 16, 2022
This was not the only unusual medical sight of the night as Arsenal’s Alex Lacazette appeared to be displaying his brain in the second half.
After coming on as a substitute in the 62nd minute, Lacazette needed medical treatment following a clash of heads and as the medical staff wound up the headband so tightly, the player’s shaven head appeared to highlight the inner organ.
While the Frenchman was unable to help his side turn the game around, Wilson played through the injury and caused the error from Ben White that led to the opening goal of the night. On a day of surprises, while both sides shared the spoils for the odd sightings on the pitch, the Magpies walked away with the three points.
