Arsenal regained their place at the top of the Premier League as Eberechi Eze's first-half strike proved enough for the Gunners to grind out a hard-fought 1-0 win over Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium. Mikel Arteta's side had dropped to second place for the first time since October after Manchester City's midweek win against Burnley, and this was a tricky assignment following back-to-back league defeats by Bournemouth and City.
The win moves Arsenal three points clear at the top, having played a game more than title rivals Manchester City, who saw off Southampton to reach the FA Cup final. It was far from a vintage display from the title chasers, who were hanging on at the end, but in a season-defining moment the only thing that mattered was winning, and Arsenal got it done.
A Moment of Quality Out of Keeping With the Occasion
The moment that decided it arrived in the ninth minute and it was completely out of keeping with the overall sweep of another fraught occasion. With Newcastle boasting a superior height advantage, Arsenal had attempted just six short corners all season before this game, yet they went short with each of their opening three routines. Martin Odegaard lost possession on the first, and Eze dragged a shot wide from the second after being left unmarked outside the box.