Arsenal v Newcastle: Galvanised Gunners worth a play at 10/3

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Positive injection for Gunners despite defeat

Arsenal lost the battle against Manchester City but could still win the ultimate prize. While they're now 2.35/4 second favourites for the title on the Betfair Exchange, the Gunners raised eyebrows at the Etihad by taking it to City rather than parking the bus.

And so it left a slightly unexpected feeling. Despite what appeared the nightmare scenario of losing to City, Arsenal somehow emerged with more positive vibes than had they played horribly and drawn.

True, points are the bottom line but taking the shackles off against City could liberate Arsenal for the rest of the run-in.

Newcastle on the slide

This season is getting away from Newcastle. After enjoying some giddy nights in the Champions League and at times looking ready to launch a run to return them to Europe's premier club competition next term, they've slipped to 14th place.

They head to the Emirates in their worst form of the campaign after suffering four straight defeats: a 7-2 shellacking away to Barcelona and a trio of 2-1 league defeats to Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth.

And as for the Magpies' Premier League results at Arsenal, it's a case of look away now if you're a Newcastle fan. One goal in the last nine visits and 12 defeats in the last 13.

Slate wiped clean; Arsenal to go again

Arsenal are no longer top of the table after Manchester City's victory at Burnley on Wednesday night.

But because City only won 1-0 at Turf Moor despite going ahead inside five minutes, Arsenal not only have the same points tally as City, they also boast the same goal difference (City are top due to having netted more goals).

So if Arsenal can win all five remaining games and better City's goal difference in that period, they're champions. Simple!

The interesting dynamic here is that City now have the chance to exert leaderboard pressure again.

With Pep Guardiola's men in FA Cup action at the weekend and their next top-flight fixture not scheduled until May 4, Arsenal could be six clear again by the time City head to Everton. That would involve beating Newcastle here and then scoring a home win over Fulham on May 2.

While the short-term ramifications of the week just gone hurt Arsenal, the positive way they approached that Etihad game bodes well for them.

Play like that again in those back-to-back home games against Newcastle and Fulham and the reignited engines can fire the Gunners forward once more after they'd stalled when gripped by negativity and trying to protect what they had.

In which case, I'm going to put faith in the scenario that Arsenal come flying out of the blocks here and blow a stuttering Newcastle away.

The basic 4/91.44 is too short but the 6/52.20 for Arsenal to be leading at both half-time and full-time certainly appeals so let's start there.

Beyond that, if the hosts really motor there's scope to get stuck into some handicaps by backing both Arsenal -1 and Arsenal -2.

Gabriel to take advantage of reprieve

After locking horns with Erling Haaland and then jolting his head forward at the Norwegian, Gabriel Magalhaes was very fortunate not to be sent off against City.

Had Anthony Taylor shown him a red, the Brazilian wouldn't be playing here but it's in such circumstances that commentators get to shriek when the lucky break is highlighted in the very next game.

That would be the case if he scores here and a Gabriel goal combined with Arsenal -2 pays over 12/113.00 if playing a Bet Builder.

Finally, Arsenal's run-in is this: Newcastle (h), Fulham (h), West Ham (a), Burnley (h), Crystal Palace (a). All five opponents are in the bottom half.

Manchester City's is this: Everton (a), Brentford (h), Bournemouth (a), Crystal Palace (h), Aston Villa (h).

It's easy to argue that Mikel Arteta's men have the easier set of fixtures.

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