Arsenal overcame Newcastle to confirm they are in the title race and Bukayo Saka gave an injury update after the win, with an England team-mate potentially joining him at the Emirates
Arsenal overcame a significant hurdle as they bested Newcastle on Sunday, solidifying their position in the Premier League title race.
The Gunners began the match five points behind champions Liverpool, who has slipped up with a late 2-1 loss away against Crystal Palace. But now that deficit has been cut to just two points, thanks to the title hopefuls’ own last gasp victory.
Bukayo Saka was left with a gruesome injury for his troubles, and an England team-mate could soon join him in North London if Wayne Rooney’s forecast proves accurate. Mikel Arteta’s squad have had a tough time at St. James’ Park in recent seasons, but Gabriel’s injury time header secured them a 2-1 victory on Sunday.
Saka made a return to the starting line-up for the win, and after a brave performance, he revealed a bloody war wound post-match. The Gunners, who are chasing the title, started the match without centre-back William Saliba, who was brought on at half-time, as they juggle Premier League and Champions League commitments. Here’s all the latest news from the Emirates.
Bukayo Saka discusses Newcastle injury
Saka had been out of action due to a hamstring problem since August, but he returned to the starting line-up for the Premier League clash against the Magpies.
However, it wasn’t his hamstring that suffered damage following the 2-1 victory, as he revealed a nasty ankle injury during a post-match interview, reports the Mirror.
In a chat with Stadium Astro, Jermaine Jenas quizzed Saka about his bloodied sock, an injury sustained following some heavy-handed treatment from Newcastle players during the opening period.
The winger spoke candidly about the rough handling he endured, though Saka remains available for Champions League action in midweek.
He said: “You can see my ankle! But coming to this ground, you know what to expect, it’s going to be a battle. The best team won today and we got what we deserved.
“There was a point towards the end of the game where I was on the bench and it felt like it was going to be that feeling again; that we played well but something went against us, the penalty decision, but we’d played well.
“That’s why in the changing room we was so happy that we turned it around.”
Arsenal tipped to enter Marc Guehi race
England defender Guehi appeared destined to become a Liverpool player on deadline day, but Palace’s failure to secure a replacement saw his transfer fall through.
The centre-back now has numerous possibilities ahead of him, including penning a pre-contract deal with an overseas club in January or departing as a free agent next summer.
While Arne Slot’s team will be hoping to wrap up a deal for Guehi when his contract runs out, Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney believes the Gunners and their capital rivals Chelsea will compete with Liverpool for his services.
Speaking on his The Wayne Rooney Show, the former Everton striker said: “I think he [Guehi] is a special player.
“He’s a good size, he’s not the tallest but he’s good in the air, he can play with both feet, he’s aggressive and I think he’ll be a real top player over the next few years.
“Will he be at Palace? I really doubt it. I think he’ll have options and I think not just in England, in Europe he’ll have options. I’ve just got a feeling that Arsenal and Chelsea might come in and they might try and take Liverpool out of it.”
Jurrien Timber optimistic about title prospects
Following Arsenal’s victory over Newcastle, which has propelled them to second place in the league, defender Timber believes his team possess all the qualities and mindset needed to clinch the title.
He said: “The belief is there. I think we showed that. The character from this team is amazing and I will never doubt that and hopefully we can keep going like this.
“The season is so long, when you look at the schedule it looks like a tough beginning – it was a tough beginning – but it does not look like it will be easy now.
“It’s going to be tough, the games will still be tough. Last year we dropped points and lost to West Ham at home so next week will not be easy.
“If you want to win the Premier League, you know it’s going to be a long season. You have to stay close at the top – and not just close for this week. Next week it’s the same thing – and we have to keep going.”
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