Arsenal showed nerves of steel as the Gunners beat Newcastle 2-0 in a fierce battle at St James’ Park, keeping their title hopes alive race after a dominant display in match day 35 of the English Premier League.
The hosts started with Callum Wilson, Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy in a three-man attack. For the visitors, it was a familiar front-three of Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli as the Gunners looked to close the gap on leaders Manchester City.
Newcastle came out firing and almost went ahead when winger Murphy struck the post early in the games. The home side had a penalty shout but it was waved off after a VAR review. Arsenal stood firm and defended well as the game progressed. The Gunners then went ahead after a brilliant shot by Martin Odegaard in the 14th minute.
The goal silenced the fans at St James’ Park in a thrilling encounter played in a ferocious atmosphere. Both sides created chances as the game went, but the scores remained 1-0 to Arsenal at halftime.
In the second half, Newcastle started stranger and struck the post after a good piece of play. The home side huffed and puffed but always met a resilient Arsenal defence. The Gunners then put the result beyond doubt when Martinelli’s cross into the box was deflected into Newcastle’s net by defender Fabian Schar for an own-goal.
Newcastle, who just lost once at home this season in the Premier League, couldn’t find a route to goal past Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale as the match finished 2-0.
The result leaves Arsenal a point behind Manchester City, who shave a game in hand. The Gunners look to stay hot on the heels of Manchester City as the race for the Premier League title goes on.
Arsenal keep their title hopes alive after winning an absorbing encounter#NEWARS pic.twitter.com/vUkUKWVDoI
— Premier League (@premierleague) May 7, 2023
Arsenal will next host Brighton on Saturday, May 13th in the Premier League, with just three league games left for the Gunners. Newcastle continue its top-four chase against Leeds away from home on Saturday.
Sunday’s Premier League results
Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal
West Ham 1-0* Manchester United.