Arsenal were held to a 0-0 draw by Newcastle in their Premier League encounter at the Emirates Stadium, as the league leaders were unable to break down the resilient defence of their third-placed rivals.
The hosts featured Eddie Nketiah in attack ,with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli supporting on the flanks. For Newcastle, Callum Wilson started up-front with Joelinton and the in-form Miguel Almiron on the wings as they looked to cause an upset.
The first half was full of action as the Gunners looked to go ten (10) points clear at the top of the Premier League table with a victory, but they were met by the formidable defensive partnership of Sven Botman and Fabian Schar. Both sides created chances but the scores remained 0-0 at halftime.
In the second half, Arsenal struggled to create clear-cut chances against Newcastle despite dominating possession. The encounter was filled with so many fouls as the referee dished out nine (9) yellow cards as both sides looked to avoid defeat.
Arsenal were denied a penalty when defender Gabriel Magalhaes was seen to have his shirt held by Newcastle defender Dan Burn in the box. Then just before the end of the match, the Gunners’ were frustrated further when a late penalty appeal for a handball by Jacob Murphy was not awarded by the referee while VAR did not intervene.
The matched ended 0-0 as Arsenal missed the chance to go 10 points clear in the Premier League title race.
The result further strengthened Newcastle’s case for a top-four finish as they defended admirably with goalkeeper Nick Pope keeping the Gunners out. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was disappointed with the refereeing decisions in the encounter.
“They are two penalties, it’s very simple,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said in an interview after the match. “I’m talking about what I’ve seen, now, and it’s two scandalous penalties.”
Arsenal are now eight points clear of Manchester City, who play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night, while Newcastle remain in third place level on points (35) with Manchester United, who beat Bournemouth 3-0 in their encounter at Old Trafford.
Premier League results
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
Everton 1-4 Brighton & Hove Albion
Leicester City 0-1 Fulham
Manchester United 3-0 Bournemouth
