LONDON — After a flurry of discussion around Arsenal needing to take bold steps and ramp up their attacking efforts, amid speculation that the Premier League title race could hinge on goal difference, the Gunners returned to the pitch on Saturday.
Eberechi Eze‘s stunning strike in the ninth minute became the highlight of a tense 1-0 victory over Newcastle United. The match may have lacked quality, but it was rife with drama and tension.
The win propelled the Gunners back to the top of the table, with the opportunity to extend their lead to six points once Manchester City faces Everton. However, based on this performance, nothing is guaranteed as four nerve-wracking Premier League matches await.
“We are where we are after how many games?” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remarked post-match. “I don’t expect a smooth journey after 22 years without winning it. It’s going to be challenging, and we are prepared for that.”
The victory came with a cost, as Kai Havertz was substituted due to what seemed like a groin injury shortly after the half-hour mark, and Eze exited the field shortly after half-time.
Arteta offered little clarity on the severity of their injuries, but both players are unlikely to travel to Spain for their upcoming Champions League semifinal first leg against Atletico Madrid.
In the match, Arsenal maintained less possession, recorded fewer shots, and had a lower expected goals metric against a struggling Newcastle side missing key players such as Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento.
Following Arsenal’s spirited performance during a loss at the Etihad Stadium, and Manchester City’s narrow win over Burnley, conversations arose about the significance of winning by wide margins as both teams vie for top position based on goals scored.
To be fair, Arteta had not encouraged such discussions prior to the match, and so it was not surprising that his team returned to their default strategy: scoring from set-pieces and defending their lead.
Eze’s match-winning goal was precisely the type of impactful moment he was brought in for. Arsenal fans have been eager to see more of the £60 million signing, and starting him for the second consecutive game off the left side sent a clear message.
Given the current atmosphere inside the stadium, frustration was palpable as Arsenal quickly executed three corners, with the second giving Eze a chance that he dragged wide. The third corner, taken by Noni Madueke to Havertz, who then assisted Eze, allowed the England international to place a superb shot past Nick Pope from outside the box.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe admitted, “We didn’t expect them to play short. We prepared for it, but we didn’t execute well.”
This goal marked a milestone for Arsenal, as they now hold the Premier League record for the most goals from corners (17) and for the most goals from corners that gave them a 1-0 lead (10).
Cynics might argue that if Arsenal clinches the title this season, the trophy presentation should occur by the corner flag.
Despite the early goal, nerves remained on high alert. Newcastle ended the first half appearing more threatening, although their lack of precision inhibited their opportunities in the box.
1:26
Arteta’s sarcastic response to Havertz & Eze injury question
Mikel Arteta expressed surprise at the first question he received after Arsenal’s win over Newcastle concerning player injuries.
Things remained unchanged after the break. Howe turned to substitutes Yoane Wissa and Harvey Barnes in the 66th minute, and Nick Woltemade came on shortly after. The substitutes combined for a missed opportunity that should have leveled the match, as Woltemade set Wissa up, but he volleyed over from eight yards.
Goalkeeper Pope narrowly avoided a red card after a challenge on Gyokeres, with Malick Thiaw close enough to avoid a VAR intervention.
Arteta saw it differently and raised concerns over the officiating, referencing previous controversial calls, particularly one involving Havertz against City.
“In my opinion, that was a clear red card,” declared Arteta. “I’ve reviewed it multiple times. As a player, you’d know it’s a red card. This is the second time this has happened in two matches, especially when the stakes are this high.”
He emphasized, “We hope for improvements in officiating. I’m not looking for excuses but simply stating the facts of the last two games where we needed the calls to go our way, but they haven’t. It’s critical, especially with so much at stake.”
By the final whistle, the physical toll on the players was clear, as Odegaard collapsed on the pitch, while Gabriel Martinelli appeared exhausted.
Time to regroup, as there’s more intense action ahead.