By Victor Kanayo
Arsenal’s hopes of opening a 10-point lead in the English Premier League (EPL) title race were dashed after they played goalless draw against Newcastle United at The Emirates on Tuesday night.
The clash between first and third in London did not live up to its billing as Arsenal were frustrated by a Newcastle side who collected a 10th league clean sheet of the season.
Arsenal, who failed to score for the first time this season in all competitions, have 44 points from 17 games with champions Manchester City on 36 after playing 16.
Arsenal had a 100% home league record this season but failed to penetrate the tightest defence in the division as Newcastle ground out a deserved point to remain unbeaten since August.
Eddie Nketiah had Arsenal’s best chance in the 87th minute but his low shot was superbly saved by Nick Pope.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s frustration boiled over in stoppage time when he reacted furiously to his side being denied a penalty for handball when a Granit Xhaka cross hit the arm of Jacob Murphy, although it would have been extremely harsh.
Newcastle have 35 from 18 matches, ahead of United on goal difference although they have played a game more.
In another EPL clash, Manchester United’s fine form after 2022 World Cup continued as they eased to a 3-0 home win over Bournemouth same night.
Manchester United cemented their top-four place, moving level on points with Newcastle as goals by Casemiro, Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford sealed a 3-0 victory at Old Trafford.
Manchester United are now five points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur after a fourth successive league win. The Red Devils will now face Everton in FA Cup clash on Saturday.
And after Everton held Manchester City away on Saturday to snap a three-match losing run in the league, they crashed back to earth as they were hammered 4-1 at home by Brighton & Hove Albion.
Kaoru Mitoma gave Brighton the lead and Everton collapsed after the break as Evan Ferguson, Solly March and Pascal Gross scored in a five-minute burst that left the Goodison Park faithful stunned and heading for the exits.
