Premier League: Arsenal battle to victory against Newcastle as West Ham edge past Manchester United
Arsenal showed their mettle and came through a devilishly difficult fixture at Newcastle to keep the title race alive with a 2-0 win at St James’ Park.
In a compelling encounter played in a ferocious atmosphere, Arsenal stood firm and stuck to their principles with Martin Odegaard firing them in front from 30 yards on 14 minutes before a Fabian Schar own-goal wrapped it up in the second half.
Newcastle had won eight of their last nine games and suffered defeat just twice in their last 24 Premier League home games but could not find a route to goal despite Jacob Murphy and Alexander Isak both striking the woodwork.
It leaves the Gunners a point behind Pep Guardiola’s side, who still have a game in hand. It might prove a chase in vein but Arsenal are staying hot on Manchester City’s heels as this fascinating title race rolls on.
For the Magpies, who saw an early penalty decision in their favour overturned, the result does leave them with work still to do to claim a top-four finish.
A calamitous error by David De Gea condemned Manchester United to a 1-0 loss against West Ham at the London Stadium which leaves their top-four hopes in jeopardy.
Said Benrahma’s tame, long-range effort in the first half should have been a routine save for the goalkeeper but despite getting a hand to it, he was unable to stop it from bobbling over the line.
Manchester United, beaten 1-0 by Brighton last time out and only a point ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool, appeared in control of the game before De Gea’s mistake but could ultimately have lost by a greater margin, with the hosts dominating much of the second half.
David Moyes’ side were also denied what looked a clear penalty on the stroke of half-time when Victor Lindelof’s handball went unnoticed by on-pitch referee Peter Bankes and VAR Stuart Attwell decided not to intervene.
The decision ensured Erik ten Hag’s side remained in the game but West Ham withstood late pressure to claim a deserved victory – Moyes’ first over Man Utd since his spell in charge of the club – which takes them to 37 points, easing their relegation fears in 15th place.
Manchester United, meanwhile, remain in fourth place and still have a game in hand on Liverpool, but their stuttering form has thrown the top-four race open.
