Arsenal Rekindle Title Aspiration with Win at Newcastle 

Arsenal clawed Manchester City’s lead at the Premier League summit back to one point after they came out 2-0 on top in a thriller against Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

Mikel Arteta’s side, who have played one game more than the champions, City, responded superbly to the pressure exerted by Manchester City’s victory over Leeds United on Saturday to prevail in an action-packed, edgy encounter littered with chances on Tyneside yesterday evening.

Newcastle, attempting to strengthen their push for a place in the Champions League next season, started at lightning pace – Jacob Murphy hitting the post and having a penalty award overturned by VAR.

Arsenal, however, showed their strength and it was inspirational captain Martin Odegaard who followed up his double against Chelsea in midweek by drilling his 15th Premier League goal of the season past Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope from 25 yards after 14 minutes.

What followed was a magnificent game full of opportunities in a frenzied atmosphere, Pope saving 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, with Alexander Isak heading against the post, before The Gunners broke clear to wrap up the three points – Schar turning Martinelli’s cross into his own net in the 71st minute.

Elsewhere, a  howler from David de Gea gifted West Ham 1-0 victory over Manchester United to boost their chances of Premier League survival and deal a blow to the Red Devils’ top-four hopes.

De Gea let a tame Said Benrahma effort from distance slip through his grasp to put the Hammers in front midway through the first half.

The win moved David Moyes’ side seven points clear of the relegation zone with a superior goal difference to all the sides below them.