Newcastle United dashed Arsenal's top four hopes with a 2-0 win at St James' Park last season. While Arsenal got revenge for that damaging defeat, when the score line was reversed at the same stadium on Sunday, Newcastle's Champions League hopes remain in their hands with four games to go.
You could tell as much at full-time. It was rather telling that thousands of Newcastle supporters stayed behind to clap their side off as they repeatedly chanted: "Eddie Howe's black and white army". Still three points clear of Liverpool, with a game in hand, there was no danger of a loss of perspective on the terraces as Newcastle were beaten by a talented side going for the title.
Also, as effective as Arsenal were, Newcastle were hardly embarrassed in a niggly contest settled by a fine first-half strike by Martin Odegaard and a late own goal by Fabian Schar. Jacob Murphy and Alexander Isak both hit the post while Joe Willock and Fabian Schar forced Aaron Ramsdale into important stops on an afternoon Newcastle also had a penalty award overturned by VAR. Yet, crucially, Newcastle did not take those opportunities and a side like Arsenal are going to punish you for that.
