By Martyn Herman
LONDON (Reuters) – Arsenal’s Premier League title charge was checked as the leaders could find no way through third-placed Newcastle United in a disappointing 0-0 draw at The Emirates on Tuesday.
Victory would have given Arsenal a 10-point lead but they had to make do with a point against a rock-solid Newcastle who defended superbly to remain unbeaten since August.
The closest the hosts came to breaking the deadlock was in the 87th minute when Newcastle keeper Nick Pope made a great save to keep out a low shot by Eddie Nketiah while Arsenal also had a vociferous late penalty claim waved away.
Newcastle, who have the stingiest defence in the top flight this season, were content to sit deep for most of the evening although Joelinton wasted a good opportunity before the break.
The draw was a fair result though, leaving Arsenal on 44 points from 17 games, eight ahead of Manchester City who have played a game fewer and nine in front of Newcastle.
(Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Toby Davis)
