The Gunners suffered their second loss of the top-flight campaign against the Magpies on the road. Alexander Isak scored the only goal in the 12th minute.
Speaking after the game, Keown said that the Gunners are missing a key player in Martin Odegaard and without him, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are not effective.
He added that the 25-year-old could return for the Champions League trip to Inter Milan next week.
Keown said on TNT Sports’ broadcast (via GMS): “At the moment the key player in all of that is Odegaard.
“He was making it work, making it tick. Without him in the team they can’t find those pockets.
“Saka is not as effective, Martinelli is not finding space. So it’s difficult and he can’t come back quick enough.
“I’m told, somebody in my ear is telling me he’s back for Wednesday [vs Inter], and that’s great news for Arsenal.”
Arsenal have been disappointing in the league after the international break. They have picked up just one point from three games against Bournemouth, Liverpool and Newcastle.
However, the Gunners have been on the winning side in other competitions. The club will be aiming for a third straight Champions League win when they face Inter on the road.
Arsenal have yet to concede in Europe, but they will face a tough challenge against the Nerazzurri, who have netted 24 goals from just 10 Serie A outings this season.
Odegaard has been sidelined since early September with an ankle injury. His availability against Inter would be a huge boost, but he may not make the starting XI.
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