Arsenal have responded to last week’s defeat by Manchester City with a win over Newcastle, putting pressure back on their rivals in the Premier League title race.
Eberechi Eze’s goal was enough to secure a 1-0 victory. This moves Arsenal three points clear of Manchester City. Mikel Arteta called it ‘game one’.
“I’m really happy for the win,” Arteta said. “We talked about ‘game one’ and how important that was. We did the job.”
“Game one is in our hands, what we do and how we approach the game. Are we able to win it? We’ve done it. We wanted bigger margins. It’s not been possible but we certainly have done the job.”
Advantage Arsenal After ‘Game One’
City’s midweek win over Burnley had pushed Arsenal into second place for the first time since October. The two teams were level on points and goal difference, but Guardiola’s side were top by virtue of goals scored.
This put pressure on Arsenal, who were coming into the game with Newcastle after back-to-back defeats for the first time this season. The relief at ending that run was clear as players fell to the floor when the final whistle blew.
Looking ahead to the remaining league games, Arteta said he was ready to deal with the pressure of trying to end the club’s long wait for the title.
“I don’t expect, after 22 years of not winning it, that it’s going to be a path of roses and beautiful music around it,” he said. “It’s going to be like this and we are ready for it.”
Arsenal’s Title Chances Improve
Arsenal will move six points clear of Manchester City if they beat Fulham in their home game next week. City will have two games in hand.
City were playing Southampton in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday. They are not back in league action until 4 May, when they play Everton.
According to Opta, Arsenal have a 72.44% chance of lifting the Premier League trophy. City have a 27.56% chance.
“Arsenal have given absolutely everything on that pitch,” Glenn Murray said. “You can’t question their fight.”
- Arsenal are without a major trophy since 2020.
- That FA Cup triumph came in Arteta’s first season.
- Eberechi Eze’s strike secured the win against Newcastle.
Captain Martin Odegaard said the players are putting in the effort needed to get over the line.
“It was tough, very intense, very physical,” he told Sky Sports. “We did everything we could and we got the win. The most important thing was to bounce back with a win and get over th