Newcastle pull back Arsenal
Sam Allardyce was delighted to see his side come from behind
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Wednesday, 05, Dec 2007 11:02
Newcastle gained a hard-earned point against Arsenal following with a 1-1 draw at St James' Park in the Premier League.
The Gunners were without first choice central midfield pairing Cesc Fabregas and Matthew Flamini and struggled to dominate proceedings in their absence.
By contrast Newcastle eased pressure on under-fire manager Sam Allardyce by ending their run of successive home defeats in the league.
Arsenal took the lead with their first meaningful attack of the game. Emmanuel Adebayor finished a sweeping move that caught the Newcastle defence cold.
Emmanuel Eboue provided the cross and the Togolese striker volleyed home past Shay Given from the centre of the penalty area with just four minutes gone.
The Magpies almost managed to respond within a minute of the restart but Geremi could not find the target from close range, sending his header inches wide.
Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia had to show good reactions to save Geremi's shot before half time while Gilberto went close for Arsenal as they attacked the Magpies on the break.
Although it was not a full-house at St James' Park the home fans got behind the side and the team responded with a spirited performance in the second half.
The Magpies were rewarded for their persistence when Taylor equalised on the hour mark.
A free-kick from wide on the right was floated into the Gunners' penalty box, it fell to the feet of Alan Smith who poked the ball into the path of Taylor and he smashed it home.
The defender went close again late in the match as Newcastle had a series of corners but Almunia produced a good block to deny the Magpies all three points.
Arsenal remain top of the Premier League but are just four points clear of Manchester United while Newcastle remain in 11th place.