LONDON, Dec 6: Newcastle United defender Stephen Taylor equalised on the hour to earn a 1-1 draw at home to Premier League leaders Arsenal at St James’ Park on Wednesday.

The result put the unbeaten north London side four points clear of second-placed Manchester United with 37 points from 15 matches.

Arsenal took the lead after four minutes when midfielder Emmanuel Eboue crossed from the right and striker Emmanuel Adebayor controlled the ball with his chest before volleying superbly into the roof of the net for his ninth league goal.

Taylor equalised with a low shot that went in off the base of the post after Newcastle right back Habib Beye’s cross was nodded on by Alan Smith.

It was only Newcastle’s second point in six matches but the performance will have won over fans critical of manager Sam Allardyce’s struggling side in recent weeks. A minute after Adebayor’s goal, Newcastle captain Geremi skimmed the post at the other end with a header from James Milner’s left cross.—Reuters