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

The last time Arsenal failed to score in a Premier League game was in May. Eddie Nketiah had been on an encouraging run of scoring form, during a rare stint at the front of the line.

The opponents that night? newcastle. A 2-0 defeat at St James’ Park ended Arsenal’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League. Eight months later, another target, another frustrating night for Mikel Arteta’s team.

This draw won’t require the same home truths that greeted Nketiah and company in the locker room that night. But as Arsenal enter a crucial few weeks that will underscore their title hopes, a first stumble.

Eddie Nketiah had a frustrating night in Arsenal’s attack as Newcastle stopped them

This disjointed and conflicting display is due in no small part to Eddie Howe, who has built the most uncharitable defense in the Premier League.

Until the final minutes, when Nick Pope prevented his first and only significant attempt at goal, Nketiah had not been guilty of missing brilliant opportunities or making blatant mistakes. But in a way, that told his own story.

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

Nketiah rushed and rushed in attack but was unable to cause Newcastle defensive problems.

The only real chance he had was this second half goal saved by Nick Pope (right)

Even one with three goals in three games, who holds a record 11 goals in 11 home starts, whose all-round game has improved a lot since that trip to Tyneside.

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

There have already been decisive periods this season, of course, that were meant to expose weaknesses in Arteta’s team. Instead, those spells have only tended to underscore the value and terrifying potential of this side.

Tuesday night came the start of yet another one that should tell us something. Manchester City visit next month. On Tuesday night, it was the worst defense in the division. No Premier League goalkeeper has amassed more clean sheets this season than Pope.

However, it looked from the start that Arsenal would score before long, as Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli wreaked havoc on both flanks.

In a tense first half, the striker was booked for a foul that bothered the Gunners

Nketiah had a supporting role of tireless racing, and even self-sacrifice. He received a beating from Sven Botman in exchange for having Saka indicted on another charge.

It took almost a quarter of an hour for the first proper outburst. And in a match that came down to a physical eye for an eye, Nketiah provided a rare moment of tenderness.

With his back to the goal and with a skillful body movement, he sold his marker a dummy and spun into space. Nketiah charged into the box, fooling another defender out of the game and taking out Granit Xhaka, who wasted the chance. Other than that, it turned out to be a tough night of scrappy brawls and challenges.

Despite Arsenal’s command of the ball, Nketiah managed just 21 first-half touches, only one Arsenal outfield player having fewer. The second half brought few more joys.

His hard work did not go unnoticed when his name was mentioned at the Emirates, but neither he nor Arsenal did enough to avoid those inevitable questions: what could have been? Or who else?

Nketiah still had the support of his coach Mikel Arteta throughout the game despite there being no goals.