League toppers Arsenal held by Newcastle United at home
Key takeaways:
- Arsenal failed to net at Emirates Stadium for the first time since March 2022.
- Newcastle United thwarted Premier League toppers Arsenal to grab a point with a resolute display at Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal was expected to stretch their lead at the top of the table to 10 points but saw themselves drawn into an attritional and dogged meeting by a Newcastle United team with top-four dreams of their own.
Chances were at a tip, and Newcastle’s Joelinton arguably smashed the best when he headed wide with the goal at his mercy in first-half injury time.
Arsenal couldn’t score against Newcastle United:
Arsenal went near through centre-back Gabriel and winger Gabriel Martinelli, who both sent headers slightly off target, while Newcastle goalie Nick Pope made a vital late save with his legs from Eddie Nketiah.
The Gunners also had a clear penalty claim denied when Gabriel was pulled back by Dan Burn.
The match fell into a scrappy affair with seven yellow cards, and the draw remained unchanged, with Arsenal’s lead now eight points despite being thwarted at home.
Arteta left unhappy
It may just be early January, but Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s desperate touchline behaviour may give insight into the growing anticipations surrounding the Gunners after their fantastic season so far.
Arteta was on the rim of his technical space for so much of the evening until the end, confronting the fourth referee, Jarred Gillett, when just five minutes were added on at the end, then pushing towards opposite number Eddie Howe after late penalty calls were denied before being steered away.
It definitely did not give off an air of calm when one was required, as Newcastle’s stubborn defensive strategy and want to carry Arsenal into a dogfight led to frustration all around.
Source – BBC
