Arsenal fans have spotted incredibly worrying trend under Mikel Arteta that will take a long time to fix

Arsenal fans have spotted an incredibly worrying trend under Mikel Arteta after watching the 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United.

The Gunners were looking to get back to winning ways in the Premier League after a 2-2 draw with Liverpool followed up a 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth.

But it was another defeat on the road for Arteta's men after Alexander Isak headed home the only goal of the game from a stunning Anthony Gordon cross in the first half.

Arsenal could fall further behind title rivals Manchester City and Liverpool after the loss and supporters are in all agreement about the major issue affecting the team.

Injuries and suspensions have been a problem of late but many feel as though the team are not creating clear-cut chances from open play and have become a side reliant on set-pieces.

And though the set pieces have been effective this season, the lack of invention in the final third has become a huge cause for concern.

One fan said: "This team can’t create chances without Odegaard or a creative midfielder. Just give to Saka and hope or set pieces. Nothing again."

A second wrote: "How the f*** do we only look dangerous from set pieces kmt wtf is wrong with this club man."

A third agreed: "We’re a very simple team to play at the moment. Defend your set pieces well & cut off the supply to Saka. The rest of our attack looks lost."

A fourth fumed: "No shots on target in 2nd half. Thank you @m8arteta. Just focus on scoring from set pieces every game week."

A fifth added: "Arsenal really mostly rely on set pieces or cross and nod for chance creation now, grim watch."

Image: Getty

Arsenal could end eight points behind leaders City if they win at Bournemouth, while they could even find themselves in seventh place by the end of the weekend depending how results play out.