Arsenal and Newcastle played out a top three clash and drew on Tuesday. The league leaders certainly looked more likely to score for much of the game. However, Nick Pope made a series of saves and Newcastle defended well, keeping the game scoreless.
The goalless draw is Newcastle’s seventh clean sheet in their last nine Premier League games. Overall, Newcastle have 10 clean sheets, with Nick Pope in goal on all of them.
This game had fireworks and was far from the stereotype of a 0-0 tie. At the end of the match, the referee handed out nine yellow cards, including one to a substitute on the bench. Despite Arsenal attempting 17 shots, neither team found the back of the net.
As stated, Nick Pope was the hero of the day on several occasions. The England international made a notable save on Eddie Nketiah towards the end of the match to preserve the goalless game.
Penalty decision preserves goalless draw between Arsenal and Newcastle
Even then, Arsenal thought they had a chance to win with a penalty. Granit Xhaka drove inside the box to cross a ball inside. He crossed it up the middle, but a slide from Jacob Murphy deflected the attempt. Upon review, the ball appears to have struck Murphy’s arm.
As co-commentator Jim Beglin pointed out, the problem for Arsenal was proximity. Murphy was practically on top of Xhaka when the gunner played the ball. Murphy simply had nowhere to go.
No changes to the table after Tuesday
Arsenal is still at the top of the table. The cushion on Manchester City is now eight points. However, Mikel Arteta will lament the chance to open a double-digit gap on the most likely title challenger. Regardless, the draw is only the third time Arsenal have lost points in the current season. The other draw was against Southampton, and Arsenal’s only loss was at Old Trafford. Therefore, this was the first time that Arsenal had lost points at the Emirates.
For Newcastle, the Magpies remain in third place. Manchester United’s win over Bournemouth today means the Red Devils are level on points with Newcastle. However, Eddie Howe’s side have a huge advantage in the goal differential department. Newcastle have a goal differential of +21, while Manchester United, who won 3-0 on Tuesday, are only +7.
Arsenal now prepare for a trip to League One side Oxford United in the FA Cup on Monday 9 January. The Gunners return to the Premier League on Sunday January 15 with the North London Derby.
Newcastle are also making a trip to a third-tier side in the FA Cup third round, traveling to Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday. On Tuesday 10 January, Newcastle plays in the Carabao Cup semi-final against Leicester City at St. James’ Park.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Colorsport
