Eberechi Eze’s stunning goal earned Arsenal a narrow 1-0 victory over Newcastle, with Mikel Arteta’s side holding their nerve to return to the top of the Premier League.
The Gunners had begun the day in second place on goals scored and facing mounting pressure to halt a run of four successive defeats in domestic competitions.
Eze eased nerves around the Emirates as the England international swept in a stunning first time finish from the edge of the box, after the Gunners had played a corner short.
Arteta’s side were unable to extend their lead against an improved Newcastle side, who were aiming to avoid a fifth straight loss.
Yoane Wissa fired over with Newcastle’s best chance in the second half, with Arsenal securing a 1-0 win to move back to the top of the table. The Gunners are now three points clear of Man City, with Pep Guardiola’s side having a game in hand having been in action in the FA Cup semi-finals.
Daily Mail Sport’s Isaan Khan and Craig Hope rate the players at the Emirates.
Eberechi Eze scored a stunning winner as Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League
Eze’s curling effort was enough for the Gunners to secure a 1-0 victory against Newcastle
ARSENAL (4-3-3):
DAVID RAYA: 7
Dependable as ever. Faced many Newcastle shots — 11 in total — with just three on target. Made a good save after half an hour to stop Sandro Tonali’s swerving long-range strike.
BEN WHITE: 5.5
Was helped out by William Saliba in defensive scenarios. Needed better decision-making when on the ball. A lot of Newcastle’s joy came down his flank.
WILLIAM SALIBA: 6
Got stretched by William Osula and had a task trying to contain him. But had the added burden of covering for White.
GABRIEL: 6.5
A different man to the one that was out-thought and made to look foolish by Erling Haaland last week. Strong in duels and kept focused on his task.
David Raya was as dependable as ever with another clean sheet earning the narrow victory
Most of Newcastle’s joy came down Ben White’s side and he needed help from William Saliba
PIERO HINCAPIE: 7.5
He’s becoming an important figure in Arsenal’s backline, solid once again. Didn’t shirk from one-vs-one duels and a threat in the final third.
DECLAN RICE: 6.5
Put in a number of good deliveries into the area which his team-mates needed to do better with. Caused frustration on 65 minutes when he was in a good position to shoot but took an extra touch and was tackled.
MARTIN ZUBIMENDI: 6
Started off poorly by losing the ball early on but very strong in duels and aerial battles. Robbed the ball off the opposition on occasion.
MARTIN ODEGAARD: 6.5
Set the tempo for his team, controlling Arsenal’s play. Should have released the ball earlier at times but some neat link-up play around the area in first half.
Eze’s moment of magic settled the game and showed why Arsenal need him in the run-in
NONI MADUEKE: 6
Such a frustrating figure for fans. Has great sprinting and dribbling ability, but often found wanting with final product. His short corner led to Eberechi Eze’s goal.
KAI HAVERTZ: 6.5
Assisted Eze’s goal and held the ball up well but went off injured on 35 minutes. A massive blow for Arsenal’s final run-in after a torrid season battling multiple knee injuries. Big concern.
EBERECHI EZE: 8
This is what he was bought for — moments of magic to settle games. His curling right-footed strike from just outside the area was unstoppable. Went off injured but doesn’t look serious. Arsenal need him.
Manager – MIKEL ARTETA: 6.5
Not a pretty display by any stretch, but Arsenal walk away with a crucial three points.
Substitutes
VIKTOR GYOKERES: 6
GABRIEL MARTINELLI: 6
BUKAYO SAKA: N/A
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY: N/A
NEWCASTLE (4-1-4-1)
NICK POPE: 6
Recalled after spell on bench and had done OK until escaping red card for desperate tug on Gyokeres after missing ball.
LEWIS MILEY: 7
Athleticism down right gave team an attacking outlet and again looked very comfortable at full back. Never outdone defensively.
MALICK THIAW: 7
Far more assured defensively than of late, including two big interventions inside the area.
SVEN BOTMAN: 7
Like Thiaw, was much improved and tackled, headed and blocked when he had to. Needs games like this to rediscover best.
Sandro Tonali had his best game for a long time, but could offer more in the final third
DAN BURN: 6
Brought in at left back and did fine on the whole, even if Madueke’s pace caused problems for spell in first half. Big chance to equalise late on but headed at Raya.
SANDRO TONALI: 7
His best for a long time and got stronger as game went on. Still, when team needed more quality in final third he should offer more.
JACOB MURPHY: 5
A diligent enough display in terms of work-rate and discipline but quality of output has been missing this season, as it was again here.
BRUNO GUIMARAES: 8
Captain’s drive makes such a difference. Took responsibility and was at heart of team’s improved display. His team’s best.
JOE WILLOCK: 7.5
Afforded free role of sorts and caused former club problems. His run created early chance for Osula. Showed willing and energy.
Bruno Guimaraes was at the heart of Newcastle’s improved display, with the captain making such a difference to this side
JACOB RAMSEY: 6
Has all the tools but does not use them enough, especially in final third. Kept running until the end and elements of promise.
WILLIAM OSULA: 6
Huge chance inside 22 seconds but got feet in a tangle. Recovered from that to pose threat with his pace and just about justified selection, even if goal was missing.
Manager – EDDIE HOWE: 6.5
Tweaked system and personnel and upshot was a big improvement on performances of recent weeks. But, after ninth defeat in 12, pressure won’t ease, despite a better display.
Substitutes
Harvey Barnes (on for Murphy, 66) 6
Yoane Wissa (on for Osula, 66) 5
Nick Woltemade (on for Guimaraes, 75) 7
Anthony Elanga (on for Willock, 86) 5
