Sports

Arsenal reclaim top spot with win over Newcastle

BBC 25th April, 2026 10:00 PM

Arsenal regained their place at the top of the Premier League as Eberechi Eze’s first-half strike was enough for the Gunners to beat Newcastle in a hard-fought match at the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta’s side had dropped to second place for the first time since October after Manchester City’s win against Burnley in midweek had seen them go top of the table on goal difference.

Eze’s opener

Arsenal started the game well and took the lead in the ninth minute through Eze after a well-worked short corner.

The England international was passed the ball on the edge of the box by Kai Havertz and curled an excellent strike into the top corner.

Newcastle had chances of their own through William Osula, Bruno Guimaraes, and Sandro Tonali but could not find a way to score in the first half.

Eddie Howe introduced Yoanne Wissa and Harvey Barnes after the break as the away side chased an equaliser.

Newcastle United stars celebrate a goal against Chelsea in a Premier League match. PHOTO/@NUFC/X

And Wissa missed a golden opportunity late on to level the match as Newcastle were defeated for the fourth league match in a row.

The win moves Arsenal three points clear at the top of the Premier League having played a game more than title rivals Manchester City.

The only negative of the day for the Gunners was that both Havertz and Eze had to be substituted with injury.

Arsenal analysis: Gunners put pressure back on title rivals

This was a tricky assignment for Arsenal after suffering back-to-back defeats in the league for the first time this season and losing to Manchester City last week.

However, the Gunners navigated through this difficult match to secure a vital three points in the title race.

The short corner with which they took the lead – their 17th goal from a corner this season – was initially not welcomed by supporters with Martin Odegaard gesturing for calm from his own fans as the Gunners celebrated what proved to be their winner.

When Havertz was withdrawn through injury in the first half and Viktor Gyokeres was subbed on in his place, the Gunners lost their ability to hold on to the ball upfront.

That will be a worry for Arteta at this time of the season and with the Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid coming up next week.

Eze’s injury concerns

Eze had to be withdrawn too but all that will matter to Arsenal fans is that they managed to secure what could be a crucial three points in this title race with Manchester City.

The Arsenal players fell to the floor with the effort they put in and now they have given themselves the chance to double their lead at the top of the table next week when they take on Fulham before City are next in league action.