THE gap between Newcastle United and the relegation zone has been cut to eight points - but Fulham's hopes of survival suffered a massive blow as they conceded a stoppage-time equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Arsenal.

Josh Mahja's 59th-minute penalty looked like being sufficient for the Cottagers to see off their London rivals.

However, Eddie Nketiah claimed a dramatic equaliser in the seventh minute of stoppage time for Arsenal, with the result representing a huge hammer blow to Fulham's hopes of clambering out of the bottom three.

The Cottagers are six points adrift of Burnley, who play Manchester United this afternoon, and Brighton.

Newcastle are two points further ahead in 15th position after their 3-2 win over West Ham United yesterday.