Arsenal salvages a draw in the Premier League

The race for Champions League spots tightened in the Premier League after a weekend filled with draws, unexpected defeats, and delayed reactions.

With five places in the European Championship available, only six points separate Arsenal, second in the table, and Nottingham Forest, who are in seventh place with two matches remaining in the season. Arsenal and Newcastle, separated by two points, will face each other next Sunday at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners salvaged a 2-2 draw against Liverpool after trailing 2-0 from the opening 21 minutes.

Cody Gakpo and Luis Díaz gave the new champions the lead within a minute (20' and 21'). Gabriel Martinelli (47') and Mikel Merino (70') scored in the second half. Merino was sent off minutes later (79').

"What we did in the first half wasn't even close to our level, so doing it later is too late. We reacted, which was great, but the standards in those 20 minutes were unacceptable," said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.

With one more draw, the Londoners would secure their return to the Champions League, although they are not guaranteed a runner-up spot.

Closer to the goal

Newcastle beat Chelsea 2-0 at home, with goals from Sandro Tonali (2') and Bruno Guimaraes (90'). Nicolas Jackson was sent off in the 35th minute for a foul on Sven Botman, which was reviewed by VAR.

"We still have two games left and a lot of twists and turns that could be around the corner. We have to move on, reflect on our next game, and make sure we're ready for Arsenal because it's going to be a very, very tough game," said Magpies manager Eddie Howe after the match.

They don't lift

Europa League finalists Manchester United and Tottenham continued their domestic slump.

Both lost 2-0 at home: the Red Devils to West Ham and Spurs to Crystal Palace.

“Everyone is focused on the final. The final isn't the biggest thing at our football club. We need to change a lot of things. If we don't change the way we play and perform and feel this urgency to win every game, we shouldn't be playing in the Champions League,” said United manager Ruben Amorim. — AP