Arsenal down Newcastle to keep title race alive

PREMIER LEAGUE Arsenal down Newcastle to keep title race alive

Kiplagat Sang 20:35 - 07.05.2023

Given the Magpies’ recent run, this fixture was seen as a tricky one for the Gunners, but the London side has managed a win and a clean sheet.

Arsenal picked up a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United in a Premier League match played at St James’ Park on Sunday.

Martin Odegaard’s goal and an own goal by Fabian Schar saw the Gunners record back-to-back wins after beating Chelsea on Tuesday.

A penalty awarded to Newcastle in the 10th minute was eventually overturned. Chris Kavanagh initially awarded the home side a penalty, but after his VAR review, which took a lot of thought, the referee overturned his decision.

After VAR saved them, Arsenal took the lead in the 14th minute when Odegaard scored. Although they had not managed a touch in the Magpies’ box, the Gunners took the lead when Bukayo Saka took a few touches before he located the Norwegian, who lashed a low effort into the bottom corner.

Nick Pope saved Newcastle from conceding the second one in the 21st minute. Odegaard, who scored twice in midweek against Chelsea, threaded a nice pass to Gabriel Martinelli in the box, but Pope’s outstretched leg denied the Brazilian.

In the 24th minute, Saka was also denied a chance to score. Martinelli produced a lovely pass from behind and spotted Saka, but with only Pope to beat, he failed to find the back of the net.

Newcastle won a free-kick from a promising position in the 49th minute, and Arsenal almost conceded from the set-piece. Kieran Trippier delivered the free-kick that was whipped into Schar's path. Aaron Ramsdale’s right arm, which stopped the shot from Schar, saved the day for the Gunners.

Martinelli was denied by the woodwork in the 51st minute. The Arsenal forward made his way into the box, and with some space, he curled the ball into the top corner from the left. Although he beat Pope in the process, his effort hit the woodwork and bounced clear.

Arsenal kept fighting and showed great resilience and character to double their lead in the 71st minute.

Gabriel Jesus set Martinelli, who held the ball over the halfway line, got into the box before he looked for Odegaard. The Norwegian was unmarked, and Schar attempted to stop the Arsenal captain from shooting, only to drive the ball into his own net.

The Gunners held on to finally collect three crucial points as they went a point behind Manchester City.