Updated / Saturday, 25 Apr 2026 19:36
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.
**Watch Arsenal v Lyon in the UEFA Women's Champions League on Sunday from 3pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player**