Soccer-Leaders Arsenal held, Newcastle into top four after win at Tottenham

LONDON -Premier League leaders Arsenal surrendered the lead to draw 1-1 at Southampton and drop points for only the second time this season while Newcastle United's impressive start continued when they beat Tottenham Hotspur to storm the top four on Sunday.

Aston Villa moved quickly on from the midweek sacking of manager Steven Gerrard to thump Brentford 4-0.

Leicester City continued their revival by thrashing Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-0 away to ease the pressure on coach Brendan Rodgers but Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch faced calls to go from his own supporters after a 3-2 home defeat by Fulham.

Granit Xhaka scored a superb early goal for Arsenal, who looked untouchable for large parts of their trip to St Mary's, but Southampton rallied in the second period and Stuart Armstrong netted a deserved second-half equaliser.

The draw meant Arsenal's four-point lead over second-placed Manchester City from last week was reduced to two points after the champions beat Brighton & Hove Albion 3-1 on Saturday.

"I have a feeling that we lost two points, especially with the way we started the game and the chances we had," Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said. "When you look back at the chances, we should have come out on top."

Arsenal have 28 points from 11 games to City's 26.

Newcastle have already drawn with Manchester City and Manchester United this season and their only loss was a stoppage-time defeat by Liverpool.

Sunday's win at Tottenham sent the clearest message yet that they can challenge for a Champions League berth.

Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron scored in the space of 10 minutes in north London - both goals owing something to mistakes by Tottenham keeper Hugo Lloris.

Harry Kane pulled one back for third-placed Tottenham in the 54th