Shearer slip curbs Newcastle hopes
Sunday, May 9, 2004
Article summary
Alan Shearer's missed penalty meant Newcastle United FC dropped points, while Arsenal FC won again.
Article body
Alan Shearer missed a late penalty as Newcastle United FC drew 1-1 at home against Wolverhampton Wanderers FC on Sunday to hamper their hopes of finishing fourth in the Premiership.
Domestic setback
Newcastle went into the game knowing victory against Wolves would put them fifth, three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool FC with a game in hand. The two sides meet next weekend in a fixture which looked set to decide who would take the fourth and final UEFA Champions League qualification berth. But just three days after slipping out of the UEFA Cup at the expense of a Didier Drogba-inspired Olympique de Marseille, Newcastle's European ambitions were hit again - this time at St James' Park.
Ganea leveller
Newcastle went ahead seven minutes before half-time when Lee Bowyer converted a Shola Ameobi cross but Wolves, who needed a comprehensive victory to maintain their minimal chances of avoiding relegation, claimed an equaliser in the 70th minute when Romanian substitute Viorel Ganea pounced on a loose ball to shoot low into the corner.
Spurned spot-kick
The home side were given a golden chance to win the game eight minutes from time when Paul Ince pushed Newcastle midfield player Gary Speed in the area, but Shearer had his low penalty well saved by Wolves goalkeeper Paul Jones, leaving Newcastle with a mountain to climb if they are to finish fourth. Sir Bobby Robson's side must win in midweek at Southampton FC, where they have not been successful in the league since 1972, before taking on Liverpool at Anfield.
Reyes decisive
In the day's other game, Arsenal FC extended their unbeaten start to the season to 37 games with a 1-0 win away against London rivals Fulham CF. José Antonio Reyes scored the game's only goal on the nine-minute mark, capitalising on an error by Fulham goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar to roll the ball into the empty net.
'So close'
"We refuse to lose," said Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger. "Now we want to go to the end of the season and win our last game. We'll do what it takes not to lose and that's it - but I don't think the players realise what is at stake. We are close now." Arsenal's final game of the season sees them welcome relegated Leicester City FC to Highbury next weekend.
