EPL: Arsenal go top after Eze downs Newcastle

Arsenal returned to the summit of the Premier League after a narrow win over Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium.

The result lifts Mikel Arteta’s side three points clear at the top, albeit having played a game more than Manchester City.

Eze strike proves decisive

Eberechi Eze scored the only goal of the match inside nine minutes, finishing a well-worked short corner routine. The midfielder received a pass from Kai Havertz before curling a precise effort into the top corner.

Arsenal dominated early proceedings and maintained control through the first half, limiting Newcastle’s attacking threat despite occasional pressure.

Newcastle miss key chances

Eddie Howe’s side created openings through Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali and William Osula, but failed to convert.

Substitutes Yoane Wissa and Harvey Barnes were introduced in the second half as Newcastle pushed for an equaliser.

Wissa came closest late on but missed a clear opportunity, compounding a fourth consecutive league defeat for the visitors.

Injury concerns for Arsenal

Despite securing all three points, Arsenal suffered setbacks with both Eze and Havertz forced off through injury.

Manager Mikel Arteta will now assess their fitness ahead of a critical run of fixtures as the title race intensifies.

The win re-establishes Arsenal’s position at the top of the table, but with Manchester City in close pursuit, the margin for error remains minimal.