Arsenal ran out 1-0 winners over Newcastle to move three points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League
19:46, 25 Apr 2026
Eberechi Eze
View 3 Images
Eberechi Eze came off injured for Arsenal
Arsenal recorded their first Premier League victory in six weeks to breathe fresh life into their Premier League title charge.
But having also lost two integral attackers, Kai Havertz and match-winner Eberechi Eze to injury, it was a triumph that could yet come at some cost.
The German centre-forward teed up Eze to bend home a stunning opener on nine minutes but the pair were both forced off with worrying fitness issues that will ask further questions of the Gunners' mental toughness and durability.
Mikel Arteta will be desperate for good news because the sparkling forward duo were just beginning to come into their own during a crucial period in the club's season.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
The run-in is not going to get any easier from here but Arsenal will take comfort in the fact they are now three points clear at the summit again as Manchester City were in FA Cup semi-final action.
By the time Pep Guardiola's men travel to Everton on May 4, the Gunners could be six ahead because they host Fulham next Saturday in an opportunity they simply cannot afford to fluff.
Yoane Wissa skied a glorious chance to level things up in the second half but in keeping a 28th clean sheet of the campaign in all competitions, Arsenal prevented Eddie Howe's Magpies from scoring for the first time in 19 matches.The visitors squandered a glorious opening inside 22 seconds. William Osula, whom Eddie Howe continues to favour in attack over £124million flop duo Nick Woltemade and Wissa, raced through on goal but got his feet in a tangle following a small awkward bobble.
After Bruno Guimaraes then rifled over, there were audible groans from the home crowd as the top-flight's set-piece kings rattled through several short corners in quick succession.
Eberechi Eze was the standout player for Arsenal as they faced Newcastle United
View 3 Images
Eberechi Eze struck the winner for Arsenal(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
If you took one look at Newcastle's giant backline, it was easy to see why Arteta gesticulated to the Emirates faithful to hold their horses and it soon materialised that there was method to the madness.
That's because the third was a masterstroke that freed up Eze to curl home a first-time pearler into Nick Pope's top corner from the edge of the penalty box.
Last Sunday at City, it was a game defined by inches when Arsenal's playmaker kissed the inside of the Etihad post but this time around, he angled his strike to perfection to erase any early anxiety.
David Raya was equal to Sandro Tonali's swerving shot before the Gunners lost rejuvenated forward Havertz to a muscle injury.
Just as replacement Viktor Gyokeres began to grow into the contest, Arteta was rocked by another cruel injury blow.
Goalscorer Eze went to ground with what appeared to be a left ankle issue but crucially, he was able to walk off the field unassisted and unlike Havertz, did not head down the tunnel for immediate treatment.
Eberechi Eze
View 3 Images
Eberechi Eze struck the winner inside the opening 10 minutes(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Gyokeres might not be as effective in possession but he was a pest and was hauled down by Newcastle goalkeeper Pope, who misjudged the flight of Odegaard's raking ball.
VAR checked the incident but Malick Thiaw was on the cover and a yellow card was deemed sufficient punishment.
At the other end, substitute Wissa spurned a golden chance to equalise, blasting over following Woltemade's dinked ball.
Despite a frantic finish, Arsenal clung on to earn their first three points since March 14 when they required two stoppage-time goals to see off Everton.
Article continues below
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
£44
Sky
Get the deal here
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.