'Eze can turn up and show that little bit of magic or stardust'published at 12:09 BST 27 April
12:09 BST 27 April
Image source, Getty Images
Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Tim Krul believes Arsenal have been "the masters of marginal gains" this season, with former Premier League striker Jermaine Beckford praising "magician" Eberechi Eze's performance at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
The attacking midfielder's ninth-minute opener against Newcastle was enough to see Mikel Arteta's side regain their place at the top of the Premier League table.
"Clearly a reaction was very much needed after the loss to Manchester City," Krul said on BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast. "They turned up against Newcastle with another set-piece goal, once again showing they are the masters of marginal gains this season. Also, what a strike it was from Eberechi Eze."
Beckford added: "He is on of those players who can turn up and show that little bit of magic or stardust. That is exactly what Arsenal have been needing recently.
"Newcastle are no slouches. They have had a little bit of a rough run but they put on a pretty good performance, despite being a little wasteful.
"However, when you've got someone of the magician Eberechi Eze's calibre - wow. What a signing he was from Crystal Palace. He has to be on that plane to the World Cup."
Jeffrey: Arsenal need to understand where the goals are coming from. The title run-in dictates that several goals in the remaining four matches is required. Moving the ball at pace between the players had the best results. Now let's add a few shots.
Olivier: The Gunners continue to play very static and predictable football. And as they play with no ambition whatsoever, they get nervous and confused about their tactics. When will Arteta realise you win the title by positive, ambitious football?
Sam: Much-improved performance in a vital win. Could have scored more and definitely wasted a lot of chances, but we got the three points over the line, which is all that is needed at this stage. Eze showed his magic moments again - hopefully his injury isn't too bad. Four more finals and a big trip to Madrid in the week to come.
Edward: Three more points is all that matters at this stage of the league. Let's do it again next week against Fulham. After losing two matches back-to-back in the Premier League, this victory will do a lot of good for our momentum.
Newcastle fans
Paul: Unlucky not to get an equaliser and take a point. Osula, Guimaraes, Tonali, Burn and Wissa all had chances to score. We were caught out by a well-executed set-piece that we should have seen coming, but let's take the positives because this was a much improved performance on recent weeks.
Richard: This game didn't tell us a lot really. I must admit, I thought we might get thumped but we could have snatched a point at the end. There was more of the old team there but still not enough. That said, I'll give Wissa, Elanga and Woltemade next season to show what they can do. Same goes for Eddie. I think the whole club needs a reset.
Derek: A decent, fighting performance. Perhaps the negatives will be quiet for a while and let Eddie get on with the very good job - in difficult circumstances - that he is doing.
Samuel: A confusing season all round for Newcastle. It's hard to pinpoint the exact problem as the team has shown that they're more than capable of getting good results. I'm a big Eddie Howe fan and I haven't forgotten what he's done for the club. It will be interesting to see what the club does off the back of this latest defeat. It certainly doesn't seem worth replacing managers at this late juncture.
Gossip: Gunners track Real's Endrickpublished at 07:27 BST 27 April
07:27 BST 27 April
Arsenal are monitoring Brazil forward Endrick, who is on loan at Lyon from Real Madrid, and could bid for the 19-year-old if he becomes available. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish), external
Where does win leave Arsenal in title race?published at 12:03 BST 26 April
12:03 BST 26 April
Alex Howell Football reporter
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Arsenal will move six points clear of Manchester City if they beat Fulham in their home game next week, though City will have two games in hand.
That is because City were playing Southampton in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday and are not back in league action until 4 May, when they play Everton.
Having that buffer of points by the time of City play would be a huge boost for Arteta's side.
According to Opta, Arsenal have a 72.44% chance of lifting the Premier League trophy at the end of the season, with City on 27.56%.
"Arsenal have given absolutely everything on that pitch," former Crystal Palace and Brighton striker Glenn Murray said on BBC Radio 5 Live. "You can't question their fight."
Arsenal are without a major trophy since the FA Cup triumph of 2020, which came in Mikel Arteta's first season in charge.
And captain Martin Odegaard said the effort the players put in is because every member of the team is doing what they can 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 the line with the three points."
For Odegaard, who played the full 90 minutes, and the rest of the squad, attention quickly switches to the Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
"This schedule is crazy," Odegaard added. "We just have to keep going. It is the end of the season, just leave everything out that we have inside, fight every single game and we just have to keep going.
"That's where we want to be but it is going to go all the way to the end. We are ready for it and we will fight every single day."
Watch Premier League highlights and analysispublished at 11:07 BST 26 April
11:07 BST 26 April
Pundits Martin Keown and Steph Houghton join host Mark Chapman to bring you the action and talking points from Friday and Saturday's Premier League fixtures.
Analysis: Gunners put pressure back on title rivalspublished at 21:54 BST 25 April
21:54 BST 25 April
Image source, Getty Images
This was a tricky assignment for Arsenal after suffering back-to-back defeats in the league for the first time this season and losing to Manchester City last week.
However, the Gunners navigated through this difficult match to secure a vital three points in the title race.
The short corner with which they took the lead - their 17th goal from a corner this season - was initially not welcomed by supporters with Martin Odegaard gesturing for calm from his own fans as the Gunners celebrated what proved to be their winner.
When Kai Havertz was withdrawn through injury in the first half and Viktor Gyokeres was subbed on in his place, the Gunners lost their ability to hold on to the ball upfront.
That will be a worry for Arteta at this time of the season and with the Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid coming up next week.
Eberechi Eze had to be withdrawn too but all that will matter to Arsenal fans is that they managed to secure what could be a crucial three points in this title race with Manchester City.
The Arsenal players fell to the floor with the effort they put in and now they have given themselves the chance to double their lead at the top of the table next week when they take on Fulham before City are next in league action.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle: What Arteta and Rice saidpublished at 20:20 BST 25 April
20:20 BST 25 April
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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "Much better. We know what is at stake. The margins are really small. We started the game really well, scored a beautiful goal. I loved the personality of the players. We were so disciplined without the ball, we only conceded one chance with [Yoane] Wissa.
"We can miss chances but it is how the team reacts immediately and the effort that we put. We have to have something else to win games."
On what the last week has been like: "We had a huge reset and I sensed a change in energy in the dressing room. We enjoyed what we had to do and now we play the Champions League against Atletico Madrid in the semi-final which is incredible."
On Kai Havertz and Eberechi Eze who came off injured: "Both of them had to come off, I think it was small niggles. We don't know the extent of that. Probably tomorrow we will know more."
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "I think we said after last week [defeat by Manchester City] that we have to win five games if you want to win the Premier League. That's one down and now four to go. It was about winning no matter how we win.
"It is exciting times. There's a lot to play for.
"Always against Newcastle, it will be a really tough game, they have unbelievable players who can hurt you at any time.
"We could have done better in front of goal in the second half, it opened up for us and it was just lacking that final pass. But in the end, three points, a special goal from Ebs [Eberechi Eze] and that makes the weekend better so it is all good."
On how Arsenal are dealing with pressure and fan nerves: "Block it out, we've got to this point for a reason, you know. There's always going to be noise, from home fans, away fans, people outside. It's about blocking it out and believing in what we can do and that is just winning football matches. We will continue to do that."
Did you know?
Arsenal now hold the Premier League record for most goals from corners in a single season (17).
Since the start of the 2022-23 season, Eberechi Eze has scored more goals from outside the box than any other player in the Premier League (10).
Arsenal achieved a Premier League double over Newcastle for just the second time under Mikel Arteta, with the previous one coming in the Spaniard's first full season in charge (2020-21).
Arsenal's xG against Newcastle was just 0.64 – their second-lowest in a Premier League game at the Emirates this season, only ahead of their 0.57 versus Liverpool in January.
Arsenal v Newcastle: Team newspublished at 16:30 BST 25 April
16:30 BST 25 April
Image source, Getty Images
Mikel Arteta makes just one change to the side that lost to Manchester City last week. Ben White comes in for Cristhian Mosquera. There's good news for the Gunners too as Bukayo Saka returns to the matchday squad for the first time since the Carabao Cup Final defeat in March following an Achilles injury.
Arsenal starting XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard, Eze, Madueke, Havertz
Bruno Guimaraes starts as Newcastle United make five changes for the trip to the Emirates.
The Newcastle captain lines up from the off for the first time since February after returning to action as a substitute in the 2-1 defeat against Bournemouth last week following a spell out.
Nick Pope, Dan Burn, Joe Willock and Jacob Murphy have also been recalled as head coach Eddie Howe looks to end a four-game losing streak in all competitions.
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play West Ham v Everton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Arsenal v Newcastle", for instance.
Sutton's predictions: Arsenal v Newcastle Utdpublished at 11:04 BST 25 April
11:04 BST 25 April
I did not think Arsenal's defeat at Manchester City last week spelled the end of their title hopes and watching City struggle to put Burnley away on Wednesday must have been a boost for their players.
I know the result still knocked the Gunners off the top of the table but that was not the kind of performance that suggested Pep Guardiola's side are just going to march to the title from here.
However you want to view Arsenal's recent form, they know they are still in the race - especially because goal difference could decide the title.
I've been in this situation myself in a title race and, while I am sure both managers will say that it is just about making sure they win their own games, you cannot ignore the fact that the season starts now and goal difference could be important.
That's why, if I was an Arsenal player sat at home watching City against Burnley, I would have been thinking that 1-0 is OK for us.
They are level now, on points and goal difference, and the Gunners still have Burnley to play, but at home.
So, it is there for them, but they have to get past this game first.
Newcastle have given Arsenal a good game when they've met in recent seasons and there has been a bit of needle between the two sides.
Right now, though, Eddie Howe's side have a few injury problems on top of their dismal form.
They have dropped off their usual level and they look a bit flimsy to me. It feels like a good time to play them and I don't think this will be as close.
Arsenal v Newcastle: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:03 BST 24 April
19:03 BST 24 April
Arsenal have the chance to move three points clear of title rivals Manchester City if they can beat an out-of-form Newcastle at the Emirates on Saturday (17:30 BST). BBC Sport analyses the key talking points ahead of the match.
Gunners seek return to winning form
Arsenal's 209-day run at the top of the table came to an end on Wednesday night as Manchester City finally leapfrogged them on goals scored.
With the sides locked on 70 points and with an identical goal difference of +37, this looks set to be one of the tightest title races in history.
With City not in league action this weekend due to their FA Cup commitments, the Gunners have two home games before Pep Guardiola's side play again on Bank Holiday Monday, so could open up a six-point lead.
But to do that they must address their shocking run of form. After losing just three of their first 49 matches of the season in all competitions (W37, D9) they have lost four of the last six and have suffered back-to-back Premier League defeats for the first time since December 2023.
Mikel Arteta will be glad to see the arrival of May next week. Since he took charge of the Gunners they have taken just 40 points from 27 games played in April and a whopping 18% of all top-flight defeats the club have suffered under him have also been in the fourth month of the year.
Despite their recent wobbles Opta's supercomputer still has the Gunners as favourites to win the title at 65% and they will be buoyed by their excellent league record against Newcastle.
Howe under pressure as poor run goes on
Newcastle are in worse form than Arsenal having lost eight of their last 11 league games. In fact, only Tottenham and Burnley have lost more top-flight matches than Newcastle in 2026.
This relegation form has led to serious questions being asked of head coach Eddie Howe. He maintains he is still the right man for the job and that he will "fight to the end", but it will be interesting to see how much credit he has left in the bank as a result of leading them to their first domestic trophy for 70 years last season.
Legendary striker Alan Shearer cast doubt on whether Howe will still be at the helm next season and lambasted the players for their performance against Bournemouth. "They were terrible," he said on his podcast. "They chucked him under the bus, the players. It is a tough situation, a tough summer for Newcastle coming up. They have got some big decisions to make. As I am sat here, I don't see Eddie in charge of Newcastle next season, unfortunately."
Mitigation does comes in the form of key players being unavailable due to injury and the team Howe put out against the Cherries was their youngest starting XI in a Premier League game since May 2005, having an average age of just 24 years and 191 days.
The Geordies have no respite as they travel to the Emirates, a ground where they have managed just one league win in 17 attempts and none in the last 13. Only Stoke City, who have lost on all 10 of their visits, average fewer points per game than Newcastle do at the Emirates since it opened in 2006. They have taken a total of just five points from 51 available and have scored just one goal on their last nine trips.
Fear and faith - rival fans predict Premier League finishpublished at 18:01 BST 24 April
18:01 BST 24 April
A matter of weeks remain to define an entire season of graft.
Supporters have spent all their energy, players are running on empty and the rewards that remain on offer tantalise.
So as Manchester City and Arsenal slug it out, BBC Sport asked two of our fan writers - Emily Brobyn for City and Laura Kirk-Francis for the Gunners - to predict the league games that remain.
Manchester City: Everton (a) - Win; Brentford (h) - Win; Bournemouth (a) - Draw; Crystal Palace (h) - Win; Aston Villa (h) - Win.
I really believed at one point that this was a season too soon for this evolving, young Manchester City squad. Nobody is more surprised that City are still in the title race than me - a period of sloppy draws has been followed by powerhouse performances against Arsenal twice, Liverpool and Chelsea.
But I believe the final games of the title race could still spring surprise results. City have the momentum, but their positive display at the Etihad will give Arsenal belief.
I think there could be a final day shootout - winner takes all. It could be down to whoever scores the most between now and the end - and whoever is brave enough to feel the fear, but embrace that energy and turn it into their driving force.
Man City: Everton (a) - Draw; Brentford (h) - Win; Bournemouth (a) - Draw; Crystal Palace (h) - Win; Aston Villa (h) - Win.
End-of-season total - 81 points
My hope for Arsenal's first league title in 22 rests on David Moyes. I have deluded myself into thinking that the Everton manager, under whom Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta played for six years, will take points off Manchester City as a tribute and a favour to his former captain.
Beyond that, Arsenal should feel galvanised by the performance at Manchester City last weekend, with the error from goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma perhaps also providing a glimmer of hope that there are flaws within this Manchester City side. Or maybe just one flaw, but that could be all that's needed.
On paper, Arsenal have a slightly easier run-in, but the momentum is very much with Manchester City. Faith and fear both demand you believe in something you cannot see. Today, I choose faith (for the next few hours at least).
Arteta on title race, 'outstanding' Rice and Saka's possible returnpublished at 15:21 BST 24 April
15:21 BST 24 April
George Booth BBC Sport journalist
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Newcastle at the Emirates (kick-off 17:30 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Arteta said Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori will "probably" return to the matchday squad after both being ruled out with injury in the 2-1 defeat to Manchester City.
On the title race, Arteta said his team's energy and belief has "raised" and that the "clarity" in what Arsenal want to achieve "cannot be better".
"Five games to go. Four weeks, two big competitions to play for and everything to play for. If somebody had told us at the beginning of the season we would have taken it - we are so excited," added Arteta.
On the title potentially coming down to goal difference: "We don't know. We are just talking about a lot of possibilities. Then, depending on how the situation is, then you can start to think about something else. You have to put everything into it. Those five games start tomorrow. Everything you have, you have to put it on the table and you have to make it happen."
On winning the title with Rangers in 2003 on goal difference: "I took the penalty and we won the league by one goal difference. It doesn't get better than that. One of the best feelings I had in my career. When you win it, it is even more special."
On Opta's supercomputer predicting the Gunners to have a 65.36% chance of winning the title: "Win tomorrow, game one win and then we'll be much closer. I have belief in our players and our people and the willingness in what we want to achieve."
Arteta said, "It is so clear what is at stake" as the Gunners aim to return to the top of the Premier League if they beat or draw against Newcastle. "The energy has been so good and the weather helps as well."
The Arsenal boss said Declan Rice "has been absolutely outstanding" this season and that the north London side are "blessed" to have him.
On Chelsea sacking Liam Rosenior: "It is always sad to see a colleague leave a club. We know the scrutiny and demands on our jobs. The only thing that matters is if we win a lot of matches."
'Shackles off' - can Arteta 'go for it'?published at 17:14 BST 23 April
17:14 BST 23 April
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on whether Mikel Arteta is capable of releasing the handbrake from this Arsenal side as they look to beat Manchester City to the title after falling behind their rivals on goals scored.
Here are some of your comments:
Chris G: It's no good releasing the handbrake when it's obvious we are on an uphill climb. All our downhill momentum has disappeared because the handbrake was on in the first place. Despite the relatively successful performances that put us in a superior position, it looks as though that just flattered to deceive and the April demons that have scuppered our chances before are still travelling with us.
Stefan: Despite losing, Sunday's game showed us this Arsenal team can play positive, attacking football. I'm hoping Arteta and the team will bring that same attitude to the remaining games and, if nothing else, keep the pressure on City.
David: To me, this style of play is temporary. When he has had the opportunity to play attractive football, Arteta has. But the current state of the Premier League (which Arteta has a part in creating), favours this very duel-focused, organised football. There's a broader conversation about how that makes the league more competitive, but that's a separate point. Arteta has essentially crafted a form of football that is as sustainable as possible, and that comes at the cost of beauty and some physical exhaustion. I sincerely doubt it will remain as such, a return to technical security looks imminent, especially with the way the league is headed. Could the football be better with better forwards? Sure. But ultimately, it is very functional and effective, so long as the standards don't drop. Once this team gets the winning monkey off their back, they will loosen right up.
Chris B: Arteta has to go for it. Arsenal have shown this season that they are a better team when they are allowed to play with the shackles off. I think they got to a point this season where they decided safety first was better to protect their lead at the top.
Lew: We have thrown away too many points for not being ruthless enough, side-to-side passing and wasted chances. Our captain has been missing most of the season and too many players are out of form, but that said, there is no excuse to be so far clear and bottle it again! It could come down to goals, so score as many as possible, go nuts. City will win all their remaining games, so show some fight, that you actually want this, or forever be known as the maybe men who bottled it four years in a row.
Ali: For the love of all things Arsenal, please let the players play. Build-up play has been laboriously slow and low-risk ball retention put on a pedestal. Let the flair players have their moments and don't be so critical if we lose the ball from time to time by trying to play between the lines more quickly. Gyokeres has been starved of service all year.
Nicholas: Play only Rice or Zubimendi, 45 mins each. More attacking players, send the ball long, quick, and see what Gyokeres can really do!! We are playing too slowly, too risk-averse. Get Zidane to manage next year.
Image source, Getty Images
