SUNNY AFTERNOON

Caught up with some chores before heading to town.  Newcastle had a home game this afternoon against Arsenal - kick off 4.30pm.  Bus was on time and I had a pleasant wander up to St James Park. The weather was really warm and sunny.  I took my blip shot as I walked to the ground.  Lots of people sitting around outside Eldon Square shopping centre enjoying the sunshine.

A game against Arsenal was always going to be a tough one as they are 2nd in the table and chasing Manchester City to be champions.  The match was a stop start affair with lots of Arsenal players going down " injured " at every opportunity.  They tried - and succeeded  - to disrupt Newcastle's style of play.  Newcastle were awarded a penalty on the 9th minute but it was overturned by VAR.   It was Arsenal who got the first goal after 14 mins.  More of the same in the second half and although Newcastle tried their best to play well but they just couldn't get the ball in the net.  An own goal from Newcastle on the 71st min put Arsenal 2 nil up.  Newcastle kept up the pressure until full time and into extra time but to no avail and the final score was Newcastle 0 Arsenal 2. 

Although this was a bad result for Newcastle the team that are behind them in the league - Manchester United  - were also beaten today so they didn't overtake us.  That was a let off. Newcastle stay in 3rd position.

Had quite along wait for the bus home but it did come on time. Its usually a double decker but it was a single this evening. It was due to leave Newcastle at 7.08pm.... and its the last bus of the day on that service and goes all the way to Stanley.  And with all the fans from the match trying to get home the bus was packed.  Seems ridiculous to have the last bus of the day leaving at 7.08pm even if its a Sunday service.  However nothing surprises me with this bus company.

Steps today - 7,338