Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admits it was hard to accept their 2-0 defeat by Newcastle United as their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League are fading.

The Gunners’ hopes of leapfrogging Tottenham Hotspur and returning to the top four were dealt a huge blow after they conceded a shock defeat by Newcastle United at St James Park on Monday evening.

Report: Newcastle blow up Arsenal’s UCL dreams

Back-to-back defeats leave Arsenal in fifth spot on 66 points, two behind Spurs, with one match remaining each, while Newcastle’s second Premier League win in 19 matches against the Gunners takes them to 12th with 46 points.

Highlights: Arsenal’s UCL hopes fade after Newcastle defeat