Arsenal saved the Premier League title race alive as Martin Odegaard’s strike and Fabian Schar’s personal aim beat Newcastle 2-0 on Sunday to shut to inside one level of leaders Manchester Metropolis. Metropolis have a sport in hand on high of their slender lead, however the Gunners are refusing to surrender the struggle of their hunt for a primary league title in 19 years. Newcastle’s second dwelling defeat of the season slows the Magpies’ cost in the direction of Champions League soccer subsequent season as their lead over fifth-placed Liverpool stays three factors.
Arsenal held an eight-point lead only a month in the past however had received simply one among their final 5 league video games to let the future of the title slip out of their arms.
Mikel Arteta’s males, although, showcased their enchancment during the last 12 months since defeat at St. James’ Park final season value them a spot within the high 4.
The guests wobbled early on as Jacob Murphy smashed the within of the publish after simply three minutes earlier than the house facet thought they’d a penalty when Bruno Guimaraes’ effort hit the arm of Jakub Kiwior.
Nonetheless, the Polish defender was handed a reprieve by a VAR evaluate because the ball appeared to return off his thigh first.
Having ridden their luck, Arsenal took full benefit to go in entrance with their first shot on aim as Odegaard took purpose from long-range and arrowed the ball low past Nick Pope’s left hand on 14 minutes.
Pope then needed to make a collection of massive saves simply to maintain Newcastle in a pulsating sport earlier than the break.
3 times the England goalkeeper stood up tall to dam one-on-ones with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Odegaard.
The unrelenting tempo didn’t let up after the break as either side hit the woodwork inside the primary six minutes of the restart.
Alexander Isak’s header got here off the publish earlier than Aaron Ramsdale produced a outstanding save from Fabian Schar to maintain Arsenal in entrance.
On the different finish, Martinelli lastly had Pope crushed just for the ball to return again off the crossbar.
Tempers began to flare on either side of a feisty contest earlier than one other piece of brilliance from Martinelli produced the essential second aim.
The Brazilian ran half the size of the sector after which fired in a low cross that Schar may solely flip into his personal web.
Whereas Arsenal nonetheless want favours from Metropolis within the run-in to realize their aim, a top-four end continues to be inside Newcastle’s attain.
Eddie Howe’s males probably want simply six factors from their last 4 video games to ensure Champions League soccer for the primary time in 20 years.
Nonetheless, they might slip to fourth afterward Sunday if Manchester United win at West Ham.
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