Eddie Nketiah played a supporting role of relentless runs and self-sacrifice but Arsenal need more

It was in May that Arsenal last failed to score in a Premier League game. Eddie Nketiah was at the front in an encouraging streak of goals during a rare stint.

The opponents this evening? newcastle A 2-0 defeat at St James’ Park all but ended Arsenal’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League. Eight months later, another emptiness, another night of frustration for Mikel Arteta’s side.

This draw doesn’t call for the same house truths that greeted Nketiah and co in the dressing room that night. But as Arsenal begin a crucial few weeks that will underscore their title hopes, a first stumble.

Eddie Nketiah had a frustrating evening in attack for Arsenal as they were held by Newcastle

This disjointed, unruly display is thanks in large part to Eddie Howe, who built the Premier League’s least charitable defense.

Nketiah was not guilty of any missed chances or glaring errors until the closing minutes, when Nick Pope saved his first and only significant shot on goal. But somehow it told its own story.

And with the shadow of Gabriel Jesus looming high and Mykhalo Mudryk hoping to carve his way into Arteta’s attacking arsenal, the time for substitute strikers is running out.

Nketiah rushed and rushed in attack but failed to cause Newcastle’s defensive problems

The only real chance he had was that second-half strike, saved by Nick Pope (right).

Even one with three goals in three games and a record 11 goals in 11 starts at home whose all-around game has gotten so good since that trip to Tyneside.

For players like Nketiah, what you don’t do matters more and more.

Of course, there have already been crucial periods this season that should reveal weaknesses in Arteta’s squad. Instead, these spells have only tended to underline the heaviness and frightening potential of this side.

On Tuesday evening another one began that should tell us something. Manchester City visit next month. On Tuesday night, it was the division’s fiercest defense. No Premier League goalkeeper has conceded more goals this season than Pope.

Here, however, it looked like Arsenal would score in no time early on as Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli wreaked havoc on either flank.

In a tense first half, the striker was booked for a foul, much to the Gunners’ annoyance

Nketiah played a supporting role of tireless runs and even self-sacrifice. He got a clatter from Sven Botman in exchange for Saka launching another attack.

It took almost a quarter of an hour for the first own escape. And in a fight that led to a physical fight, Nketiah provided a rare moment of cuteness.

With his back to the goal and some skillful body movements, he sold his marker as a dummy and spun into space. Nketiah drove towards the penalty area, tricked another defender out of play and picked out Granit Xhaka, who missed the chance. On top of that, this proved to be a tough night of junk and scrappy challenges.

Despite Arsenal dominating the ball, Nketiah managed just 21 touches in the first half – only one Arsenal outfielder had fewer. The second half brought little more joy.

His hard work didn’t go unnoticed as his name rang out in the Emirates, but neither he nor Arsenal did enough to prevent those inevitable questions: what could have been? Or who else?

Nketiah was assisted by his manager Mikel Arteta despite not scoring throughout the game