Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League table with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium.
A superb early strike from Eberechi Eze proved decisive as the Gunners responded to recent setbacks with a crucial three points in the title race.
Arsenal started with urgency and were rewarded inside the opening 10 minutes with a well-worked set-piece routine.
A short corner initially drew frustration from the home crowd, but the move quickly turned into a moment of quality.
Kai Havertz laid the ball off to Eze on the edge of the area, and the England international curled a precise effort into the top corner to give Arsenal the lead.
The goal settled early nerves and gave Mikel Arteta’s side a platform, but the contest soon became a physical and disrupted affair.
Newcastle attempted to unsettle Arsenal with an aggressive approach, limiting clear openings and forcing the hosts into a more cautious rhythm.
Despite that, Arsenal nearly extended their advantage, while Newcastle gradually began to threaten from distance.
Sandro Tonali came close with a powerful long-range effort that required a sharp save from David Raya.
The visitors grew into the game as the first half progressed, although clear-cut chances remained limited.
Arsenal suffered a setback before the break when Havertz was forced off through injury, disrupting their attacking structure.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Newcastle pushing for an equaliser and Arsenal struggling to fully control proceedings.
Eze, the match-winner, also departed early in the half with an injury, adding to Arteta’s concerns ahead of a busy run-in.
Newcastle pressed late on and came close to levelling through Yoane Wissa, who fired over from a promising position.
Dan Burn also tested Raya with a header in the closing stages, but Arsenal held firm under pressure.
The hosts managed the final minutes with resilience, securing a vital clean sheet and ending a difficult run of form.
The result lifts Arsenal back to the summit, three points clear, and restores momentum in their pursuit of a first league title in over two decades.
While the performance was not entirely convincing, the outcome was significant at this stage of the season.
The defeat extends Newcastle’s poor run of form despite a competitive display.
Arsenal, meanwhile, will now turn their attention to upcoming fixtures knowing they have regained control of the title race, even if the margins remain fine.
