Arsenal climbed back to the summit of the Premier League after grinding out a tense 1-0 victory over Newcastle United, with Eberechi Eze delivering the decisive moment.
For the first time since October, the Gunners had kicked off a league fixture off the top spot following Manchester City’s narrow win against Burnley earlier in the week. But that setback proved short-lived as Eze produced a stunning first-half strike at the Emirates Stadium to restore Arsenal’s lead at the top.
The goal, his 10th of the campaign, moved Arsenal three points clear of second-placed Manchester City, who were busy sealing a 2-1 FA Cup semi-final win over Southampton at the same time.
It was a crucial response from Mikel Arteta’s side after last weekend’s damaging 2-1 defeat to City, a result that had cast serious doubt over their title ambitions.
Despite a strong season overall, Arsenal have recently stumbled, losing four of their last six matches in all competitions after suffering just three defeats in their opening 49 games. The dip in form raised fears of another late collapse, similar to the title races in 2023 and 2024 when City edged them to the crown.
The north London club remain in pursuit of their first league title since 2004, but City still hold a game in hand, leaving the race firmly in their control.
With City not back in league action until their trip to Everton on May 4, Arsenal have an opportunity to stretch their advantage to six points when they host Fulham next weekend.
Before then, attention shifts to Europe as Arsenal travel to face Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.
Although Arsenal are back on top, their slim goal difference advantage over City — just one goal — and inability to score more against an underwhelming Newcastle side could prove costly in the final stretch of the season.
