Eberechi Eze’s brilliant early strike fired Arsenal back to the top of the Premier League as they ground out a much needed 1-0 win against Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal’s bid to claim their first title since 2004 hung on Saturday’s fixture in north London following consecutive defeats to Bournemouth and rivals Manchester City.
But Eze’s ninth-minute goal allowed Mikel Arteta’s men to end City’s 72-hour stint at the league summit.
Arsenal are now three points clear of City – who saw off Southampton to secure their place in the FA Cup final – having played a game more. And the Gunners could increase their advantage to six when they face Fulham at the Emirates a week today, with Pep Guardiola’s side next in action at Everton on May 4.
Arsenal will take on Atletico Madrid in the opening leg of their Champions League semi-final in Spain on Wednesday, but they could be without both Eze and the injury-hit Kai Havertz.
Havertz, again favoured to lead the line over marque summer signing Viktor Gyokeres, limped off in the first half, while Eze lasted just seven minutes of the second. For Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, he was left to reflect on a fifth straight defeat which leaves his side in 14th.
This was far from a vintage display by Arteta’s title-chasing side, and they were hanging on at the end – the relief at the full-time whistle was palpable.
Facing accusations of ‘bottling’ their trophy aspirations, a win was the only result that Arsenal could afford, and their breakthrough – as it so often does – arrived from a corner. Indeed, this was their 17th of the season, a new Premier League record. However, Eze’s sumptuous curling strike was a thing of beauty rather than the typical six-yard grappling contest.
With Newcastle boasting a superior height advantage, Arsenal, who, prior to Saturday’s game had attempted just six short corners all season, tried two in the first eight minutes.
Martin Odegaard lost possession on the opening salvo, before Eze dragged his shot wide with the second. On the third attempt, Odegaard and Martin Zubimendi ran over to offer their services, but Noni Madueke bypassed them both to play in Havertz, who teed up Eze, and the £60million man’s first-time strike curled away from a diving Nick Pope, and Arsenal were one to the good.
No player has scored more goals from the outside of the penalty area than Eze’s 10 in the last three seasons.
Arsenal might have hoped to press home their advantage, but they failed to penetrate the visitors – with David Raya unconvincing when tested from range by Sandro Tonali – before Havertz and then Eze were unable to continue.
Newcastle have an appalling record at the Emirates, this was their 13th defeat in 14, but while they remained within one, the contest was alive. And with Arsenal continuing to lack any significant attacking prowess, the Emirates anxiety made an unwanted return.
The home supporters wanted Pope to see red when he came charging out of his goal, missed the ball, and made sure Gyokeres did not pass, but he escaped with a caution.
Then, with 15 minutes left, a glorious chance for Yoane Wissa who volleyed over fellow substitute Nick Woltemade’s wonderful lobbed pass.
On came Bukayo Saka to end a five-game absence with an Achilles problem, and the second loudest cheer of the evening followed.
Within seconds, Saka’s deflected shot had Pope scrambling. Pope was also needed to divert Odegaard’s fizzing effort for a corner.
Seven minutes of stoppage time drew an audible gasp from the crowd, but Arsenal did just enough to see out the three points and regain some championship momentum with just four matches to go.
