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By Seyi Babalola
Arsenal have returned to the top of the Premier League table with a narrow 1-0 victory over Newcastle United on Saturday at the Emirates Stadium.
Manchester City’s 1-0 victory over Burnley on Wednesday (not Tuesday) temporarily ended Arsenal’s long reign at the top of the table. Mikel Arteta’s side entered the match in second position, trailing City on goals scored, as both teams were tied on 70 points and a +37 goal difference.
The Gunners got off to a perfect start in North London. In the 10th minute, a clever short-corner routine saw Noni Madueke pick out Kai Havertz, who provided the layoff for Eberechi Eze to drill a magnificent strike into the top corner. It was Eze’s 10th goal for the club and a historic moment for the team, marking their 17th goal from a corner this season—a new Premier League record.
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However, the victory came at a potential cost. Both Havertz and goalscorer Eze were forced off with injuries in the 34th and 53rd minutes, respectively. Despite these setbacks and a late second-half onslaught from Newcastle—including a dangerous volley from Yoane Wissa—Arsenal’s defence held firm through seven minutes of stoppage time.
The match also saw the return of Bukayo Saka, who came off the bench for the final 10 minutes after a month-long injury layoff.
Arsenal now have 73 points from 34 games, three points ahead of Manchester City, though Pep Guardiola’s side retains a game in hand.
