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United KingdomSunday’s Premier League games produced entertainment for very different reasons, as West Brom won at Manchester United and Newcastle defeated travel sick Arsenal at St James Park.
If you wish to know what happened in Saturday’s matches there is a recap here.
West Brom Help Crown Manchester City Champions
Bottom of the table West Brom travelled to Manchester United on Sunday afternoon with most spectators giving the Baggies no chance of picking anything up. However, the side from the Midlands defied the odds to win 1-0 at Old Trafford and in turn gift the title to United’s arch-rivals Manchester City.
United had a penalty appeal turned down on 18 minutes, before former United ‘keeper Ben Foster produced a superb double save first from Romelu Lukaku and then from Alexis Sanchez. The visitors came close to gaining the lead just before the break, as defender Craig Dawson headed across the face of goal.
United were denied on 67 minutes, as Foster produced a stunning fingertip save from a Lukaku effort. United substitute Jesse Lingard also volleyed wide of goal. The Baggies took the lead on 73 minutes, as forward Jay Rodriguez fired home after United midfielder Nemanja Matic had unwittingly headed the ball to the former Southampton forward.
The Red Devils were unable to respond and the visitors claimed a famous if fruitless victory. The win leaves the side from the Midlands nine points from safety. There is very little chance of survival and the Baggies are still favourites to suffer relegation. However, interim boss Darren Moore has at least restored some pride for the team heading into the Championship.
Newcastle’s winning run continues against poor Gunners
Newcastle have now won their last four Premier League games after defeating Arsenal 2-1 at St James Park. The visitors produced another poor away display in the top-flight.
The visitors actually struck first in this clash. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang produced a brilliant touch to get past Jamaal Lascelles before crossing to the far post. French striker Alexandre Lacazette slide in to take the ball past Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka in the home goal.
The home side equalised on 29 minutes, though. Jonjo Shelvey fired a high cross into Dwight Gayle, who well to control it before finding DeAndre Yedlin. The USA international whipped in a cross and striker Ayoze Perez beat Shkodran Mustafi to the ball to fire home.
The Magpies took the lead 68 minutes. Perez flicked on an Islam Slimani knockdown to midfielder Matt Ritchie, who fired past a helpless Petr Cech in the Arsenal goal. The home side came close to extending their lead with just 15 minutes left on the clock, but Kenedy’s effort hit the Arsenal bar. The Gunners attempted to hit back but struggled to make any clear-cut opportunities.
The win means that Newcastle are now 13 points of the relegation zone and now look more likely to seal a top-half finish than suffer the drop this season. Arsenal has now lost their last five away games in the Premier League.
Can Newcastle now seal a top-ten finish?
