Rafa Benitez's Newcastle continued their outstanding form in 2018 on Sunday, with a 2-1 home win over Arsenal. Arsene Wenger's side took the lead early, but were unable to penetrate the Newcastle defence after the home side pulled it back.
- Strong contenders -
Both teams went into the game on the back of impressive runs of form, with Newcastle, who have only lost twice in the league in 2018, facing an Arsenal side that were unbeaten in seven games in all competitions. Arsene Wenger rotated his squad for the tie, giving 18-year-old midfielder Joe Willock a Premier League debut, while Rafa Benitez named an unchanged side.
The two sides showed why they have been picking up points consistently as of late, with the first half an equally contested display. Arsenal grew into the game after a fast start from Newcastle, who showed energy on and off the ball.
- Advantage Arsenal -
It was the visitors who drew first blood, though, making it 0-1 in the 14th minute through Alexandre Lacazette. The move was started by an accurate long ball from Shkodran Mustafi, which found Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang down the left. The forward lofted a tasty ball across the face of goal, and Lacazette buried it at the back post to give the advantage to Arsenal.
- Perez pegs it back -
Newcastle responded in the 29th minute, however, with a lovely fast-paced counter. Again it came from a ball up-field, this time from Jonjo Shelvey, and Dwight Gayle then did well to control it and feed Deandre Yedlin. The right-back whipped a cross in and Ayoze Perez finished well, levelling the game. Both sides continued to attack, but half-time arrived with the score at 1-1.