LONDON, April 7: Arsenal and Manchester United now look set for a thrilling two-horse race to the Premier League title after Newcastle United’s 2-1 defeat at Everton.

Newcastle walked out at Goodison Park on Sunday hoping for a win that would give them 64 points — just three less than a Manchester United side they will be hosting next Saturday and an increasingly erratic Arsenal.

But 17-year-old England striker Wayne Rooney shattered those hopes, scoring one goal and contributing to another to keep Newcastle rooted on 61 points, six adrift of the league leaders with six games remaining.

Bookmakers William Hill watched the game and promptly marked Newcastle’s title odds out from 9-1 to 16-1, with Arsenal still 4-7 favourites and Manchester United at 11-8.

Champions Arsenal remain the bookies’ bet despite a bout of stuttering form which continued in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Aston Villa.

Dumped out of the Champions League and with only four points from their last three games, Arsenal’s dream of the Treble is now just that, while even a historic second consecutive Double is in jeopardy.

The north Londoners now have a week to re-group and prepare for four days which are likely to shape their entire season.

An FA Cup semifinal looms on Sunday against first division Sheffield United, while what looks like a winner-takes-all league clash with Manchester United follows at Highbury the next Wednesday.

Despite the pressure, manager Arsene Wenger continues to exude the kind of confidence which has so helped his players this season and so irritated his United counterpart Alex Ferguson.

Ferguson would probably beg to differ, having spent much of the season waiting for Arsenal drop the points which would enable his side to close in for the kill.

Arsenal have duly obliged and now face their last six games with United just behind them on goal difference, daggers drawn.

For the final battle, both clubs can point to factors in their favour.—Reuters