Newcastle United ended their London losing streak in fine fashion tonight as they went to the top of the Premiership with a 3-1 victory over Arsenal at Highbury. The Tynesiders, who had failed to register a win in the capital in their previous 29 attempts, came from behind to see off Arsene Wenger’s men and move ahead of Liverpool at the top of the table on goals scored.
Arsenal went ahead in the 20th minute through Robert Pires but their caused wasn’t helped by the dismissal of Ray Parlour on the eve of half time for his second bookable offence. Newcastle drew level after the hour when Andy O’Brien headed in Lua Lua’s corner at the near post. Numerical parity was restored with 18 minutes to go when Newcastle striker Craig Bellamy was red-carded after receiving a second yellow for a foul on Ashley Cole.
A draw looked the likely outcome until Arsenal’s Sol Campbell fouled Laurent Robert in the penalty area in the 85th minute and referee Graham Poll pointed to the spot. Captain Alan Shearer stepped up to fire past Stuart Taylor and put Newcastle within touching distance of their first victory in London since November 1997. Things were to get even better for Bobby Robson’s team a minute into added time when Laurent Robert broke clear and sealed victory, and the top spot, with a left-footed shot from 20 yards.
Afterwards Bobby Robson dismissed his side's chances of winning the Premiership: "I don’t think we will win this championship. I think we will threaten one or two clubs who can win it. It was a dramatic evening. They were what people might have called controversial decisions. I don't think it was an easy match for the referee. There was nothing violent.
"There were two dismissals but they were not for bad play. We said at half-time to the players that Parlour had been sent off and we didn't want to give the ref any chance to square it up. We told them to stay out of trouble. We scored three goals and I think we deserve it," said Robson.
Filed by Tom Grealis
