Midfielder Eberechi Eze’s superb early goal secured a 1-0 win for Arsenal against Newcastle United, reclaiming top spot in the Premier League on Saturday at the Emirates Stadium in London, England.
Twice in the opening minutes they used a short-corner rather than the usual high delivery into the area. The first two had little effect although Eze did fire a shot wide from the second.
However, when another corner was awarded soon after, the ball was played low to Kai Havertz, who fed it back to Eze just outside the penalty area and in one flowing movement he sent a stunning right-footed shot curling away from the helpless Nick Pope
With Arsenal seemingly unable to try to kill the game off, the anxiety levels grew in the latter stages and had Newcastle’s Yoane Wissa shown more composure with the goal gaping, Arsenal would have handed another gift to City.
However, the match finished 1-0 in favour of Arsenal against a tough Newcastle side.
With Manchester City in FA Cup semi-final action, Arsenal moved to 73 points from 34 games with City on 70 from 33. Newcastle’s fourth successive league defeat left them in 14th place and with pressure mounting on Eddie Howe.
Arsenal will have the chance to open the gap to six points as they host Fulham next weekend before City are next in league action.
Saturday’s Premier League results
Fulham 1-0 Aston Villa
Liverpool 3-1 Crystal Palace
West Ham 2-1 Everton
Wolves 0-1 Tottenham Hotspur
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle.