Punishing loss by Arsenal today. What was three points to make up to get to fourth, Champions League qualification, and could have been zero with a win and a Chelsea loss became six with Chelsea's 2-1 win over Newcastle. Still plenty of matches left, 16, but if they fail to make it this will be one of the matches they point to where it was lost.
If Manchester City lose out on the title there will be no doubt where it was lost: to Crystal Palace, at Etihad, moreover, and at Leicester four days later on Boxing Day.
Expected loss for Newcastle but it puts them back in the dreaded drop, one point behind Cardiff who they must beat at St. James next Saturday. Points are hard to come by at the bottom. Newcastle's schedule eases down the stretch. They should have reasonable confidence to stay up.
If Manchester City lose out on the title there will be no doubt where it was lost: to Crystal Palace, at Etihad, moreover, and at Leicester four days later on Boxing Day.
Expected loss for Newcastle but it puts them back in the dreaded drop, one point behind Cardiff who they must beat at St. James next Saturday. Points are hard to come by at the bottom. Newcastle's schedule eases down the stretch. They should have reasonable confidence to stay up.
