Arsenal reduced the gap between themselves and defending champions Manchester City to a solitary point, following a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United in their Matchday 35 at St. James Park on Sunday afternoon.
The hosts thought they had a perfect opportunity to break the deadlock when Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior handled in the box, but after referee Chris Kavanagh consulted with VAR, a drop ball was called instead.
The Gunners went in front through skipper Martin Odegaard, who fired from range to net his 15th goal of the Premier League season. The half finished with Arsenal in the ascendancy.
Mikel Arteta’s side made it two in the 71st minute albeit fortuitously. Gabriel Martinelli saw his effort deflect off Newcastle United defender Fabian Schar to put some breathing space between the Gunners and the Magpies.
Newcastle United’s attempts to claw their way back into the tie proved futile, as the Gunners bagged the three points and subsequently cut the gap between themselves and table-toppers Manchester City to just one point.
🔴 Live Blog:
FULL-TIME AT ST. JAMES’ PARK: Newcastle United 0-2 Arsenal
GOOOAAALLL!!! Newcastle United 0-2 Arsenal (Own Goal – F. Schar)
71′ MIN: Fabian Schar turns the ball into his own net, after a low cross from Gabriel Martinelli, to double Arsenal’s lead.
SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT ST. JAMES’ PARK: Newcastle United 0-1 Arsenal
HALF-TIME AT ST. JAMES’ PARK: Newcastle United 0-1 Arsenal
GOOOAAALLL!!! Newcastle United 0-1 Arsenal (M. Odegaard)
14′ MIN: Martin Odegaard powers the ball home from distance to give Arsenal the lead.
KICK-OFF AT ST. JAMES’ PARK: Newcastle United 0-0 Arsenal
This clash holds a significant importance for both teams, as they jostle for three points which would prove invaluable to their objectives for the season, which draws to a close this month.
The Gunners who are now four points behind reigning champions Manchester City in the Premier League title race, desperately need to win in order to close the gap on the Cityzens but would have to contend with a very formidable Magpies outfit, who themselves are pursuing a UEFA Champions League spot for next season.
A win for the hosts will definitely put them a step closer to achieving their goal. As for Mikel Arteta’s side, anything short of three points would mean bidding their faint title hopes goodbye.
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