Score a goal and fight for life — one goal is enough for Arsenal to keep title race alive

The race continues! Every match is now a small final for Arsenal, and in this one against Newcastle, Mikel Arteta’s side managed to come away with a win.

What happened in the 9th minute proved to be decisive — Eberechi Eze scored with a superb strike to give Arsenal the lead, which ultimately turned out to be the winning goal and sent them back to the top of the table.

Shockingly, Newcastle almost scored inside the first 20 seconds when Osula was played through on the left side. He had a clear opportunity to trouble Raya, but completely missed the ball and wasted what was a huge early chance.

In the 4th minute, Bruno Guimaraes tried his luck from distance after picking up space around 20 metres out, but his powerful effort flew over the Arsenal crossbar.

Arsenal responded in the 8th minute through a rehearsed corner routine, with Eze attempting a long-range shot, although it went wide of the target. However, just a minute later, Arsenal made no mistake. In the 9th minute, Eze scored a brilliant goal, finishing a similar set-piece move with precision to give Arsenal the lead and immediate control of the match.

Newcastle still looked dangerous at times. In the 18th minute, Willock tested Raya with a high effort from the left side, but the Arsenal goalkeeper was alert and dealt with it comfortably.

The Magpies came close again in the 30th minute when Sandro Tonali unleashed a long-range strike that changed direction in the air, but Raya reacted well to keep it out and preserve Arsenal’s advantage.

However, Arsenal suffered a concern in the 33rd minute when Kai Havertz went down injured. He was unable to continue and was forced off, walking straight down the tunnel, with Gyokeres brought on in his place.

The second half between Arsenal and Newcastle was tight, tense, and full of late chances, but ultimately lacked a breakthrough for either side.

The first notable moment came in the 53rd minute when Eze spent some time on the ground after a knock. Mikel Arteta chose not to take any risks and replaced him with Gabriel Martinelli. Fortunately for Arsenal, the injury did not appear to be serious.

As the game moved into its final stages, Newcastle created a big opportunity in the 80th minute. Woltemade delivered a superb pass to Wissa who found himself with a clear half-volley in front of Raya, but he completely misfired and sent the ball high over the bar — a huge missed chance.

Just a minute later, Arsenal responded through Bukayo Saka. He worked himself into a good shooting position inside the box, but his effort was deflected by Burn and went out for a corner.

In the 87th minute, Arsenal came close again when Martin Odegaard unleashed a strong shot towards goal, but Nick Pope produced an excellent save to keep Newcastle level.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 34

Friday

Sunderland - Nott. Forest 0-5 (0-4)

/Hume 17 og, Wood 31, Gibbs-White 34, Jesus 37, Anderson 90+5/

Saturday

Fulham - Aston Villa 1-0 (1-0)

/Sessegnon 43/

Liverpool - Crystal Palace 3-1 (2-0)

/Isak 35, Robertson 40, Wirtz - Munoz 71/

West Ham - Everton 2-1 (0-0)

/Soucek 51, Wilson 90+2 - Dewsbury-Hall 88/

Wolverhampton - Tottenham 0-1 (0-0)

/Palhinha 82/

Arsenal - Newcastle 1-0 (1-0)

/Eze 9/

Monday

22.00: (1.90) Man.Utd. (3.85) Brentford (3.80)

***odds are subject to change***