Arsenal clinched their first Premier League victory in six weeks to breathe fresh life into their title charge, but after losing two key forwards, Kai Havertz and match-winner Eberechi Eze, to injury, it was a triumph that could yet come at a cost.
Match Overview
The German attacker set up Eze to bend home a sumptuous opening inside nine minutes, but both were forced off with concerning fitness problems that could test the Gunners' mental toughness during the run-in. Mikel Arteta will be praying for positive updates from club doctors, as the dazzling forward pair were just beginning to come into their own when their side needed them most.
The run-in will not get any easier, but Arsenal are back to the top of the pile. Rivals Manchester City were in FA Cup semi-final action against Southampton, and by the time Pep Guardiola's men travel to Everton on May 4, Arsenal could be six points ahead if they beat Fulham.
Newcastle's Threat
Newcastle substitute Yoane Wissa skied a golden chance to snatch a point, but in keeping a 28th clean sheet of the campaign in all competitions, Arsenal prevented Eddie Howe's Magpies from scoring for the first time in 19 matches. However hard they had to work for the points, that is a significant feat, particularly given William Osula could have put the Magpies ahead inside 22 seconds. The Danish target man raced through on goal but got his feet in a tangle following a minor awkward bobble before Bruno Guimaraes rifled over.
Arsenal's Tactical Masterstroke
There were audible groans from the home crowd as the division's set-piece kings rattled through several short corners in quick succession. If you took one glance at Newcastle's giant backline, it was easy to see why Arteta gestured to the Emirates faithful to hold their horses. It soon materialised that there was method to the madness. The third corner was a masterstroke that freed up Eze to curl home a first-time pearler into the top corner from the edge of the box.
Last Sunday at City, it was a game defined by inches when Arsenal's playmaker kissed the inside of the Etihad post, but this time around, he angled his strike to perfection to erase any early anxiety.
Injury Woes
David Raya was equal to Sandro Tonali's swerving shot before the Gunners lost rejuvenated forward Havertz to a muscle injury. Just as replacement Viktor Gyokeres began to grow into the contest, Arteta was hit by another unfortunate injury blow. Goalscorer Eze went to ground with what appeared to be a left ankle issue, but crucially, he was able to walk off the field unassisted and, unlike Havertz, did not head down the tunnel for immediate treatment.
Gyokeres might not be as effective in possession, but he was a pest and was hauled down by Newcastle goalkeeper Pope, who misjudged the flight of Odegaard's raking ball. VAR checked the incident, but Malick Thiaw was on the cover and a yellow card was deemed sufficient punishment.
Gritty Win
Despite a frantic finish, Arsenal clung on to earn their first three points since March 14, when they required two stoppage-time goals to see off Everton. It was not just a huge result amid an ugly performance, but a platform to build upon ahead of next Wednesday's Champions League semi-final in Spain against Atletico Madrid.
