Arsenal beat Newcastle 1-0 through Eberechi Eze’s early goal, returning to the top of the Premier League.
Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium, with Eberechi Eze’s early strike proving decisive in a tense contest.
The result ends a difficult run following back-to-back defeats and ensures Mikel Arteta’s side remain in control of the title race heading into the final four games of the season.
The defining moment came after just 10 minutes. Arsenal, who have been consistently dangerous from set-pieces this season, executed another well-worked corner routine. Martin Odegaard’s movement helped create space before Noni Madueke found Kai Havertz inside the area. Havertz laid the ball back to Eze on the edge of the box, and the England international drilled a first-time effort into the top corner beyond Nick Pope.
It was Arsenal’s 17th Premier League goal from a corner this season, a new competition record, and Eze’s 10th goal for the club. It also set the tone for a match that would remain finely balanced despite the early breakthrough.
Newcastle started with intent and could have taken the lead within seconds. A miskick from William Osula presented an early opening, while Bruno Guimaraes also fired over from distance. Even after falling behind, the visitors remained competitive, with Sandro Tonali forcing an awkward save from David Raya with a dipping long-range effort.
Arsenal suffered a setback midway through the first half when Havertz was forced off with a muscular injury, replaced by Viktor Gyokeres. The disruption affected their attacking flow, and the game became more fragmented as a result.
The second half offered fewer clear chances. Both sides showed energy and intent, but neither was able to create sustained pressure in the final third. Eze, who had been central to Arsenal’s attacking play, was also withdrawn after picking up a knock.
Newcastle’s best opportunity came in the closing stages. A flick over the Arsenal defence fell to Yoane Wissa, but he failed to convert, volleying wide when well placed. That miss ensured Arsenal’s lead remained intact heading into a tense finish.
Bukayo Saka made his return from injury late on and almost made an immediate impact, cutting inside and seeing a shot deflected wide. Arsenal continued to threaten on the break, with Odegaard also forcing a save from Pope, but a second goal did not come.
Seven minutes of added time increased the pressure, with Newcastle delivering a series of crosses into the box. Arsenal’s defence held firm, maintaining their shape and composure to secure a clean sheet and a vital three points.
The win moves Arsenal back to the top of the table and provides a timely boost ahead of their Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid. With four league games remaining, the margin for error remains minimal, but this result keeps their title challenge firmly on track.