Matthias Jaissle has a Newcastle problem to fix before Arsenal arrive

Matthias Jaissle got a response from Newcastle at Fulham. Now he needs an attack that can give Arsenal something to worry about.

The 1-1 draw brought encouragement after successive defeats by Everton, with Newcastle limiting Fulham’s chances. But Jaissle’s frustration over the service to William Osula remains a useful starting point for assessing what needs to improve.

Matthias Jaissle and the Everton week

To see why a point at Craven Cottage felt like progress, go back a few days. Everton beat Newcastle twice in four days. First they knocked them out of the Carabao Cup, then they won 1-0 in the league at St James’ Park on a Monday night. Thierno Barry scored four minutes after half-time. It was a tap-in, but Newcastle felt it should have been ruled out for an elbow on Fabian Schär.

The goal was not the worst of it. Newcastle managed only two shots on target, and the home crowd booed at half-time and again at the final whistle. Jaissle did not hide from it.

“Long balls was not the plan. It’s something we need to work on,” he said, adding that his side lacked confidence and needed to stick together.

Asked about Osula, who had cut an isolated figure up front, he said: “We could not bring him into situations.” Going long, he explained, was not the kind of service his striker prefers.

A better night at Fulham

The next performance was better. Newcastle went to Fulham having lost four of their previous five games and came away with a point they arguably should have turned into three.

Dan Burn thought he had given them the lead in the first half. Referee Robert Jones disallowed it for Yoane Wissa holding Timothy Castagne. Jaissle called it soft, then added that he was choosing his words carefully to avoid a fine.

Jacob Murphy broke the deadlock in the 80th minute. He intercepted a loose crossfield pass, held off two defenders and curled a superb left-footed finish into the far corner. The lead lasted three minutes. Osula lost the ball while trying to win a free-kick, Fulham broke, and substitute Rodrigo Muniz’s shot took two deflections on its way in.

The defensive side of the display was encouraging. Newcastle limited Fulham to 0.62 expected goals, according to Sky Sports. Jaissle praised the “complete commitment and togetherness” in his team and told reporters he believed they had done enough to win.

There is more of his reaction in our Fulham draw report.

The problem up front

Both games had the same weakness, and it was up front. Against Everton, Osula barely had a sniff. At Fulham, Newcastle created better chances. Murphy supplied the breakthrough, but Newcastle still need more consistent service to their centre-forward.

Jaissle’s football relies on moving the ball forward quickly and getting it into dangerous areas, and that needs a striker who is involved. Until Newcastle find a way to feed whoever leads the line, their results will keep depending on single moments rather than control.

Newcastle vs Arsenal: date, time and TV

The international break gives Jaissle time to work on it, but what comes after it is tough. Newcastle host Premier League holders Arsenal on Saturday 21 November. The game was originally set for 3pm but has been moved to 5.30pm and will be live on Sky Sports.

A week later, Newcastle travel to Brighton for a 2.05pm kick-off on Sunday 29 November, which is also live on Sky.

Keep up with the rest of the Premier League as the title race and the battle for Europe take shape.

What comes next for Jaissle

Ten games is not long enough to judge a head coach, especially one trying to change how a team plays. Fulham showed his players are still running for him. Everton showed how quickly that can slip once confidence goes.

Arsenal at home under the lights is the kind of night that can change the mood around a club. A Fulham-style performance with a sharper finish would buy Jaissle plenty of goodwill. Another flat evening would bring the noise straight back.

FAQ

When is Newcastle vs Arsenal?
Saturday 21 November 2026, with a 5.30pm UK kick-off at St James’ Park.

What channel is Newcastle vs Arsenal on?
It is live on Sky Sports.

What was the score in Fulham vs Newcastle?
It finished 1-1. Jacob Murphy scored in the 80th minute and Rodrigo Muniz equalised three minutes later.