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Arsenal‘s hopes of finishing in the Premier League’s top four were dealt a bitter blow as they were well beaten by Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
Mikel Arteta’s men needed a win to move back above Tottenham Hotspur into fourth spot and place themselves in the driving seat to secure a Champions League spot heading into the final weekend of the season on Sunday.
But they came out second best against a rampant Newcastle spurred on by the lively Magpies crowd. The Gunners fell behind early in the second half when Ben White turned the ball into his own net under pressure from Callum Wilson, who was making his first start since 27 December.
Bruno Guimaraes, who has swiftly become a cult hero since joining Tyneside at the start of this year, then rounded off the impressive win when he drove into the net as Arsenal struggled to clear their lines.
Arsenal hardly threatened all evening, with Martin Dubravka only really tested once, a 25-yard Mohamed Elneny shot in the second half.
Indeed, Newcastle could have won by more with Wilson coming so close to capping a dream return from injury with a stunning long-range effort that dropped just wide of the goal.
The result, which also confirmed Chelsea’s finish in the top four, means Arsenal must beat Everton at the Emirates in their final game of the season on Sunday and hope Tottenham lose to already relegated Norwich City at Carrow Road.
Arsenal needed a big performance if they were to give their fans hope of finishing in the top four, particularly after they were well beaten by their fierce rivals Tottenham in last Thursday’s north London derby.
Unfortunately, Arteta’s side wilted when it mattered most as they were outplayed by Eddie Howe’s men.
Arteta was unable to hide his frustrations with the officiating against Spurs – a match in which his team conceded a penalty and had defender Rob Holding sent off – but he can have no complaints here as they were undone by a side who simply showed more hunger, desire and quality.
AND in other news, “Sensational” – Manager raves about £45m-rated Arsenal target after weekend display…
