Newcastle 2-1 Arsenal: Matt Ritchie completes comeback win for Toon against fragile Gunners

As a frantic finale was played out amid the noise, one manager orchestrated his team from the touchline, the other was nowhere to be seen.

Rafa Benitez and Arsene Wenger, one leading his side to a fourth straight victory, one beating a retreat to the shadows after five consecutive away defeats, Arsenal’s worst run on the road since 1984.

And this was classic Arsenal, albeit not so classic. They have come to define flattering to deceive. Possession? No problem, 72 per cent here.

Chances? They aren’t afraid to shoot, 15 the count this time. But when it comes to being clinical in attack and ruthless in defence they are instead flaky, shedding the skin they have used for so long to trick the observer into believing they might actually be in control. They are not, especially not when met with the antidote to their pretty patterns, as was the case at St James’ Park.