Arsenal have endured a difficult few weeks, including back-to-back Premier League defeats. Nerves were high despite them hosting an out-of-form Newcastle at the Emirates. The Gunners navigated some nervy moments, grinding out a 1-0 win to reclaim top spot in the league. After the match, Mikel Arteta spoke to the press, revealing all he knew regarding the injuries to Kai Havertz and Eberechi Eze ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid on April 29.
Arsenal Defeat Newcastle 1-0 to Reclaim Top Spot
Eberechi Eze Ensures Arsenal Return to Winning Ways
Arsenal came into the game at home vs Newcastle in desperate need of a win to return to the top spot in the Premier League, with Manchester City in FA Cup semi-final action this weekend.
Newcastle arrived in North London in terrible form, but saw good chances go begging through William Osula and Bruno Guimaraes. After a nervy start, the Gunners soon settled and found themselves one up. A smart move involving Martin Odegaard and Noni Madueke ended with Kai Havertz teeing up Eberechi Eze, who found the top corner with an excellent drive.
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Despite the early goal, David Raya had to remain sharp, making an unconventional save from Sandro Tonali. Unfortunately, Kai Havertz soon left the field due to injury, to be replaced by Viktor Gyokeres. It was a mostly quiet start to the second half before Eze left the field due to injury.
VAR deemed Nick Pope bringing Gyokeres down as not denying a goalscoring opportunity, allowing the Magpies goalkeeper to remain on the pitch. The Geordies continued to have chances, with Yoane Wissa blasting over with around 10 minutes left. Newcastle continued to fire crosses into the Arsenal area, but their defence held firm to collect a vital three points to send them back to the top of the league.
Mikel Arteta Discusses Injury Concerns for Havertz and Eze
Reflecting on Arsenal’s win, Mikel Arteta said: “I am really happy for the win! We talk about game one, we certainly done the job. We should have done so in a different margin in the game.
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“When we don’t finish the actions, the margins get really small.”
When asked about the injury concerns to Havertz and Eze, Arteta said: “Muscular niggles, we don’t think it is too much.”
Discussing Bukayo Saka, Arteta said: “Let’s see how he reacts tomorrow, how he absorbs the load. He is so keen, so motivated.”
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