Mat Ryan’s first Arsenal interview
It is just a matter of days since the two sides last met, with the Saints running out 1-0 winners in the FA Cup fourth round courtesy of a Gabriel Magalhaes own goal. Ralph Hasenuttl’s side were well deserving of their victory, but Mikel Arteta did opt to rest a number of his key players, with the likes of Alexandre Lacazette, Emile Smith Rowe, Thomas Partey and Bukayo Saka expected to return to the starting line-up. Arsenal remain without their captain, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, though, who is currently dealing with a personal issue.
The defeat brought an end to Arsenal’s sudden upturn in form, with four victories in the five games preceding Saturday’s tie. That revival has alleviated pressure on the manager and seen Arsenal rise up to 11th and not altogether out of the hunt for a European place in such an unpredictable season. They find themselves staring up at Southampton, though, who enjoyed a magnificent start to the campaign before a slight slump in recent weeks, with just one win in their last six league games, although that victory did come against champions Liverpool. Follow all the action live below at the conclusion of Newcastle vs Leeds:
Michael Jones26 January 2021 18:53
Newcastle 0 – 1 Leeds
45+5 mins: Half time. Leeds with the advantage at the break but Newcastle have grown into the game well. The goal seems to have energised them and they’ve created a couple of good chances. As with most of these close games it could come down to who scores next.
Michael Jones26 January 2021 18:50
Newcastle 0 – 1 Leeds
45+3 mins: A Leeds free kick is curled into the box and Bamford gets up high to win the header. He only gets a glancing touch to the ball and it goes wide of the far post. Chance missed for Leeds.
Michael Jones26 January 2021 18:48
Newcastle 0 – 1 Leeds
45 mins: Luke Ayling climbs over his teammate Raphinha to win a header in Newcastle’s box but it goes wide and Raphinha is down injured. There’s been a lot of minor injuries in this half and as such there’ll be five minutes of added time.
Michael Jones26 January 2021 18:46
Newcastle 0 – 1 Leeds
41 mins: Bamford miscontrols the ball when Kalvin Phillips passes it to him and Newcastle regain possession. Schar brings it forward and finds Murphy in front of him with a threaded ball into the box. Murphy collects and sqaures it but Leeds intercept and boot the ball out for a corner.
Michael Jones26 January 2021 18:43
Newcastle 0 – 1 Leeds
38 mins: After a check from the physios Meslier is fine to carry on and Newcastle win the ball from his goalkick. Murphy flicks a cross into the box from the right wing, Fraser hits it on the half-volley and smokes his shot over the crossbar.
Michael Jones26 January 2021 18:38
Newcastle 0 – 1 Leeds
35 mins: What has happened here? Ryan Fraser swings a lovely cross into the six yard box. Murphy runs in behind and tries to poke the ball into the goal at the back post. Alioski is tasked with blocking him and Meslier comes out as well. Everyone misses the ball in the scramble but the Leeds goalkeeper takes a knee to the face and stays down.
Michael Jones26 January 2021 18:35
Newcastle 0 – 1 Leeds
32 mins: Liam Cooper fouls Callum Wilson and Newcastle win a free kick just inside of the final third, can they create something here?
Jonjo Shelvey is the man to take the free kick. He runs up and blasts the ball high and wide of the goal. Poor effort.
Michael Jones26 January 2021 18:32
Newcastle 0 – 1 Leeds
28 mins: Stuart Dallas took a knock and had to go off the pitch for some treatment. He’s back on now and play continues at St. James’ Park. Leeds have been good so far but they’ve allowed Newcastle more of the ball since taking the lead.
Michael Jones26 January 2021 18:30
Crystal Palace 1 – 2 West Ham – Soucek
25 mins: GOAL! West Ham seem to have come from behind to lead against Crystal Palace as Tomas Soucek finds the back of the net for the second time tonight. VAR had a look for a possible offside but it’s fine. Two goals for West Ham and two for Soucek.
Michael Jones26 January 2021 18:28
