It was a meeting with an electric atmosphere attended by the residents of St James’ Park between two big names of this 2023/2024 Premier League season: Newcastle, eighth, 5 points behind the European places, hosted Arsenal, third in the standings, still undefeated with the opportunity to come back level with leader Tottenham. A major shock for their journey during the 11th day of the championship, but also to gain confidence before their respective deadlines in the Champions League in the middle of next week.
Live ranking
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#
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Team
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Pts
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J
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DIF
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G
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NOT
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D
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BP
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B.C.
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3 |
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24 |
11 |
14 |
7 |
3 |
1 |
23 |
9 |
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6 |
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20 |
11 |
16 |
6 |
2 |
3 |
27 |
11 |
From the start of the match, the intensity was felt in the play of the 22 players, the ball going from one camp to the other to end the observation round. Taking advantage of a left back, Tomiyasu, not really in his position, the Magpies did not hesitate to insist on the Japanese’s left lane to find the fault in the opposing defense, without success. The Gunners took advantage of the spaces in the other half to surprise their evening opponent, also in vain. A blank but lively first act in the north of England.
Gordon the Deliverer
The referee was in good demand, obliged to calm the players with warnings (4 in the first period). Returning from the locker room, Mikel Arteta’s men settled for a few minutes in the black-and-white final third, well protected by a vigilant rearguard. The first opportunity of the second act was directly decisive: following a cross from the left, Joelinton dominated Gabriel and served Anthony Gordon for the opening score for Eddie Howe’s flock (1-0, 64th), for which was only the third shot on target of the match.
The only small black spot of the evening for the NUFC: the injury exit of Jamal Murphy, a few minutes after coming into play due to shoulder pain (79th). Newcastle continues a second prestigious success (1-0) after the slap inflicted on Manchester United in the EFL Cup and returns to two provisional points of the top 5. Beaten for the first time this season in the PL, Arsenal, for its part, is relegated to the last step of the podium and could see Spurs, hosts of Chelsea this Sunday evening, move ahead at the head of the standings.
