Allardyce relief at Arsenal point

Steven Taylor scored a second-half equaliser to ease the pressure on Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce.

Emmanuel Adebayor put leaders Arsenal in front with a brilliant volley after just four minutes but Taylor equalised with a shot on the turn.

Geremi headed inches wide and forced a decent save from Manuel Almunia, while the keeper also blocked from Taylor.

Gilberto volleyed wide for Arsenal, who could have gone six points clear at the top of the Premier League.

It was Arsenal's game in hand and manager Arsene Wenger had highlighted the importance of extending their advantage over second place Manchester United to six points.

But the Gunners, who remain unbeaten in the Premier League, failed to build on their early goal and Newcastle were worthy of their point after a match in which they played with great determination and endeavour.

The draw against the leaders will come as welcome respite for Allardyce, whose team had taken just one point from their previous five Premier League matches.

Allardyce's future has been in question over recent days, while rumours of player unrest continued to surround the club.

Source: BBC Sport