Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle: After falling behind Manchester City in the title race, Mikel Arteta’s side returned to the top of the table thanks to a stunning goal from Eberechi Eze.
Eberechi Eze breaks the deadlock with a stunning goal (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC)
Arsenal recorded a nervy 1-0 win against Newcastle to return to the top of the Premier League, but that victory came at the cost of injuries to Kai Havertz and match-winner Ebelesi Eze.
Eze added a twist and broke the deadlock in great style just nine minutes after Arsenal’s set-piece. Eventually, a short corner led the ball into the path of a midfielder on the edge of the box, and Eze fired a perfect opener into the top corner.
Newcastle came close to equalizing thanks to Sandro Tonali, only for David Raya to thwart the Gunners’ rumored transfer target.
The visitors were well on their way into the game and with 10 minutes remaining, Ioan Wissa had a great chance to equalize, volleying a perfectly lofted pass from Nick Waltemade over the bar. However, Arsenal saw this game through to the end and grabbed the all-important three points.
read more: Kai Havertz forced off with injury against Newcastle, a worrying blow for Arsenalread more: Tottenham faces relegation fears despite victory as West Ham achieve big result in relegation battle
1) Arsenal react to title setback
Arsenal have been at the top of the table for a long time, but in recent weeks there have been constant question marks over Arsenal’s character. In the wake of the defeat against Bournemouth that opened the door for Manchester City two weeks ago, the question mark was further strengthened by Josep Guardiola’s side’s victory over their title rivals last weekend.
Arsenal actually started Saturday night’s game worse than City after beating Burnley in midweek to level them on points. Arsenal needed to respond and that’s exactly what they did here. Was this the most convincing victory? Absolutely not. But at this stage of the season, results are what matters most. I felt like we absolutely had to win this. In that respect, job done.
2) Set piece switches provide benefits.
A short corner led to Eze’s goal (Image: Mark Leech/Offside)
It’s no secret that Arsenal are the set-piece kings of the Premier League. However, a sharp transition against Newcastle led to Eze’s stunning opening goal.
A short corner was awarded to England’s star player, who finished calmly. This is only the second time this season that Arsenal have scored from a short corner – was it against them the last time they won gold? Newcastle.
In total, Arsenal have only created six short corners in their previous 33 games. In the match against Newcastle, he scored three goals in the first half alone. The first was intercepted before reaching Eze. The second time, he hit it wide of the frame. But for Eze and Arsenal, it was truly the charm of the third time.
3) I feel sick because of my second injury.
Kai Havertz injured in the first half (Image: Izzy Poles/AMA)
Arsenal finished the day with three points and two new players in the treatment room, as their game deteriorated due to injuries to Eze and Havertz.
Havertz, who has already endured an injury-plagued season, was replaced by Victor Gökeres after the 30th minute, a huge blow considering the German was once again selected ahead of Gökeres. And Eze followed suit early in the second half, regaining some of their afternoon brilliance.
4) Newcastle concerns grow
Arsenal are battling to win their first title in over 20 years, while Newcastle remain entrenched in the bottom half of the table.
Things look bleak for the Magpies, who enjoyed Champions League football earlier this season. After this match, they were closer to the relegation zone than the top five, and although they more than held their own in this match, it was probably a game in which they were overshadowed.
But pressure is mounting on Newcastle’s head coach, with Eddie Howe’s side currently on a record of one win from eight.
5) Tonali’s Gunners Audition
Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali has been linked with a move to Arsenal (Image: Glyn Kirk/AFP)
With Newcastle unlikely to play in Europe next season, they are likely to lose some of their top stars in the summer, including Tonali.
The classy Italian midfielder has strong links with Arsenal and we had the chance to scout him up close and personal as he battled with Declan Rice and Martin Zvimendi in the engine room.
Wissa missed Newcastle’s best chance, but Tonali, in a black and white striped shirt, came closer than anyone to equalizing, his long-range shot narrowly saved by Raya after a quick adjustment in the first half.
There’s a good chance he and Raya will be on the same team when these two meet again.
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