Wayne Lumbasi
Arsenal has handed bitter rival Tottenham the advantage in the race for fourth spot on the English Premier League table after a 2-0 defeat against Newcastle.
The Magpies had won just once in the last 20 meetings between the sides and hadn’t scored in September 2018 but put in a high intensity showing from the off, pinning their opponents back and never letting them off the ropes until the end.
The Gunners struggled with the pressure of the Champions League race after Spurs’ victory over Burnley on Sunday and eventually buckled when the returning Ben White turned Joelinton’s cross into his own net.
Eddie Howe’s side continued to have the better part of the game and doubled their lead with five minutes to play through January signing Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazilian was quickest to react to slide the ball into an empty net after Aaron Ramsdale had smothered a chance for Callum Wilson.
The result means Arsenal will have to beat Everton on the final day of the season and hope Norwich defeat Tottenham. Spurs’ goal difference is vastly superior, so the Gunners will have to overturn the point deficit on Sunday.
As things stand, Spurs will need just a draw to keep themselves in the Champions League spots, and they can be confident considering they will be taking on last placed Norwich City, who have won just 5 games out of their 37 matches in the Premier League this season.
Newcastle sit 12th in the Premier League on 46 points. They could still finish in the top half with a win against Burnley on Sunday.
