Premier League: Arsenal held by Newcastle; Manchester United continue fine form with win over Bournemouth
Arsenal were held to a goalless draw by high-flying Newcastle on Tuesday but still extended their lead to eight points at the top of the Premier League as Manchester United strengthened their grip on a top-four place with an impressive win over Bournemouth.
Mikel Arteta’s men had the better of the match at a packed Emirates Stadium but rarely threatened to break down the league’s most organised defence.
Both sides had penalty appeals waved away and had to be content with a point after an end to end encounter of nine yellow cards but few clear-cut chances.
Eddie Nketiah was denied a late winner by a fine save from Nick Pope as the hosts failed to score in the league for the first time this season.
Manchester United hammered Bournemouth 3-0 at Old Trafford – their fourth straight Premier League win – to move level on 35 points with third-placed Newcastle.
United have now won nine of their past 10 games in all competitions with in form Marcus Rashford stepping up once again.
Marcus Rashford was dropped at Wolves on Saturday after oversleeping and missing a meeting but came off the bench to bag the winner, and returned on Tuesday as one of four changes alongside Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Donny van de Beek.
Casemiro broke the deadlock for United in the 23rd minute. Rashford was fouled by Adam Smith on the left and Christian Eriksen floated in a free-kick which the Brazil midfielder met at the near post to apply the finish.
England defender Luke Shaw started and finished the move for United’s second goal early in the second half and Rashford added gloss to the scoreline shortly before fulltime.
Everton were woefully beaten at home by Brighton, losing 4-1 just days after drawing at champions Manchester City, while Fulham condemned Leicester to a third straight defeat.
Kaoru Mitoma gave the visitors a 14th-minute lead but things unravelled quickly for Frank Lampard’s men early in the second half.
Evan Ferguson put the ball in the net in the 51st minute and and the lead was further extended as Solly March was given far too much space on the edge of the box to make it three just three minutes later.
Remarkably, three minutes after the third, a fourth arrived. A reckless pass from Idrissa Gueye was seized on by Pascal Gross just inside the Everton half and he had the freedom to run through and chip the ball over Jordan Pickford.
Everton fans began to head for the exits and a flare was thrown onto the pitch while chants of “sack the board” rang out.
Demarai Gray scored a late consolation from the penalty spot but the woeful defeat leaves Everton just one point above the relegation zone.
Serbia forward Aleksandar Mitrovic scored the only goal of the game at the King Power Stadium as Fulham beat Leicester 1-0 to climb to seventh in the table.
Leicester dominated the second half. Youri Tielemans hit the bar and Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno made a string of saves but they could not find an equaliser and sit just three points above the drop zone.
