Premier League: Arsenal maintain title challenge
Newcastle United 0 - 2 Arsenal
Arsenal clawed Manchester City's lead at the Premier League summit back to one point after they came out on top against Newcastle United.
Mikel Arteta's side responded superbly to the pressure exerted by Manchester City's victory over Leeds United to prevail in an action-packed, edgy encounter littered with chances on Tyneside.
Newcastle started at lightning pace and Jacob Murphy hit the post and had a penalty award overturned by VAR.
Arsenal showed their strength and it was captain Martin Odegaard who followed up his double against Chelsea in midweek by drilling his 15th Premier League goal of the season past Newcastle keeper Nick Pope.
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What followed was a magnificent game full of opportunities, Pope saved crucially from Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Odegaard before half-time. Martinelli also struck the bar after the break.
Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale also produced vital stops from Joe Willock and Fabian Schar. Alexander Isak headed against the post before The Gunners broke clear to wrap up the three points. Schar turned Martinelli's cross into his own net in the 71st minute.
The impact of this match.
Manchester City are still a point ahead at the top of the Premier League with a game in hand. However, Arteta’s players are not about to surrender their title pursuit just yet. Could the Premier League title still be heading to North London for the first time since 2004? City weren't at the best against Leeds United and their performance would have given Arteta's side some hope.
Newcastle are still in a great position when it comes to qualifying for next season's Champions League. They are two points ahead of 4th placed Manchester United and three clear of 5th-placed Liverpool who have played a game more.
Some of the best reaction.
You can first watch the highlights in the video below.
Liam, an Arsenal fan, told us: "That was an incredible Premier League match. There could have easily been at least 5 goals with all the missed chances from both sides. In terms of Arsenal, Odegaard is having some season, isn't he? That was an excellently taken goal."
Robert, a Newcastle fan, added: "Fair play to Arsenal. They were the better side today by a fair margin. Pope had a good game to deny them repeatedly.You can see why Arsenal and City are far ahead of the rest. Odegaard was excellent, but the space he got in midfield caused us problems. We definitely missed Longstaff.
