By SCM Sports Desk
IT WASN’T pretty, it wasn’t comfortable, but for Mikel Arteta, it was pure gold. Eberechi Eze provided the lone spark of world-class quality in a gritty afternoon at the Emirates, as Arsenal ground out a 1-0 win over
Newcastle to reclaim their spot at the top of the Premier League table.
After a wobbling week that saw them surrender the lead to Manchester City, the Gunners needed a hero. They found one in Eze, who reminded everyone why he’s the league’s most watchable star with a ninth-minute pearler that left Nick Pope clutching at North London air.
Arsenal have made a living off set-pieces this season, and this was their record-breaking 17th goal from a corner. But forget the bruising headers of Gabriel or Saliba; this was a touch of velvet.
A clever short-corner routine saw Martin Odegaard and Noni Madueke combine to find Kai Havertz, who teed up Eze on the edge of the box. In one fluid motion, the England star curled a “nonchalant beauty” into the top corner.
It was Eze at his effortless best—the kind of goal that makes the £60m price tag look like a bargain.
It wasn’t all sunshine for Arteta. The Emirates held its collective breath as Havertz limped off before the break, followed by Eze himself in the second half.
But while the stars provided the lead, the “Blue-Collar” Gunners saw it home:
David Raya: Produced a stunning save to deny a swerving Sandro Tonali strike.
William Saliba: Recovered brilliantly after an early scare from Newcastle’s Will Osula.
Viktor Gyokeres: The powerhouse sub almost forced a second, nearly drawing a red card from Pope in a late-game dash.
For Eddie Howe, it was the same old story on the road. Despite Bruno Guimaraes returning to pull the strings in midfield and Joe Willock haunting his old club with some driving runs, the Magpies lacked the clinical edge.
Substitute Yoane Wissa missed a late sitter that would have broken Arsenal hearts, but the North London wall held firm.
Arteta’s men move back to the top of the pile. They might be “leggy,” and they might be “nervy,” but with Eze in this form, the dream of 2004 is very much alive.
