Newcastle United's injury issues came to the fore on Saturday night as they were outclassed by title hopefuls Arsenal at the Emirates.

An own goal from Sven Botman handed Mikel Arteta's side the lead, before goals from Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Jakub Kiwior sealed another impressive win for the Gunners. 

Joe Willock managed a consolation goal against his former side but there was little for Toon fans to celebrate in North London. 

There was a sense of inevitability about the defeat, as Arsenal cruised to their sixth successive win in the top flight, while Newcastle continued to struggle in the absence of key players such as Callum Wilson, Nick Pope and Joelinton. 

Arsenal have looked incredibly threatening from set pieces throughout the season so it was no surprise when a corner led to the opener on 18 minutes. 

Saka's inswinger was headed towards goal by Gabriel and while he was denied by Loris Karius, Botman inadvertently turned the ball in via his knee. 

Not long after, the hosts made it 2-0, as Jorginho's delightful through ball found Gabriel Martinelli in the area, and his cutback was turned home by the unmarked Havertz.

Newcastle finished the first half without a shot to their name and the second half continued in much the same fashion, with Saka sealing the three points when his curling left-footed effort found the bottom corner. 

Another corner lead to the fourth on 68 minutes, as Kiwior headed past Karius for his first goal in Arsenal colours. 

Newcastle at least gave their travelling fans something to celebrate late on when Dan Burn's cross was headed into the top corner by Willock, but the defeat sees Howe's side slip to ninth, with Champions League football next season looking highly unlikely. 

The Toon travel to Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup fifth round on Tuesday night, with the dream of a trophy no doubt paramount for Newcastle now after an underwhelming league campaign.