In a week where the topic of Arsenal bottling the league after the Manchester City loss dominated the sports columns and airwaves, Mikel Arteta's Gunners bounced back with a huge win against Newcastle Utd on Saturday evening. Returning from injury it was Eberechi Eze who scored a stunning goal in the 10th minute of the game after a delicate lay off from Kai Havertz that got the Emirates rocking.
Eberechi Eze Banger Goal Specialist 🚀💥🧨
— Siaran Bola Live (@SiaranBolaLive) April 25, 2026
Set Piece is a Key 🔑pic.twitter.com/UXayxBXcR4
It wasn't a comfortable win by Arsenal's early season standards and that all important second goal wouldn't come but a nervous Emirates crowd celebrated the win nonetheless. Speaking after the game about the win, Arteta said "I’m really happy with the win. We talked about game one and how important that was. We probably should have finished it with a bigger margin in certain moments of the game. But when it's 1-0, it's always tough because they have quality, because they brought so many good players from the bench as well". Arsenal welcomed the return of Eze and Bukayo Saka to the line up although starter Eze came off early in the second half on 53 minutes with a niggle which he said was precautionary while Saka came on for Madueke on 81 minutes.
Three point cushion
The win opens up a three point cushion in the league title race with the possibility of extending that to six points should the Gunners defeat Fulham on Saturday evening, and with title rivals Manchester City not playing until the following Monday night, it is a huge opportunity to switch the pressure back on City. Therefore, that hard fought win against Newcastle was not only important in terms of grabbing that top spot back again but also as a confidence booster ahead of a crucial run in for the gunners. With only four league matches remaining and all games taking place in the capital, Arsenal will hope that they can end the season as strong as possible by winning all four and asking a serious question of Manchester City. One would think that only wins now at this stage will be enough to claim their first league title in 22 years especially with City's experience in getting things done and those wins if they get them will no doubt add pressure to Pep Guardiola and his City team. In the run in, Arsenal are home to Fulham and already relegated Burnley, with their away games against West Ham & Crystal Palace. Priority this week however switches to the Champions League semi final first leg and a trip to the Spanish capital to take on Diego Simeone's, Athletico Madrid.
Champions League
Considering all the excitement surrounding the title race, Arsenal's midweek Champions League semi final clash against Athletico Madrid at the Estadio Metropolitano will offer the Gunners an opportunity to switch their focus away from the Premier League for a few days as they attempt to reach their first Chanpions league final since 2006. Arsenal won their only prior meeting in the competition and that was in matchday three this season with a convincing 4-0 win at the Emirates although Athletico at home will be a different proposition for the Gunners. A similar outcome to Sporting in the quarter finals when Arsenal took a one nil lead home to the Emirates would be a fantastic result for Arteta and would give them a big advantage ahead of a massive second leg in the competition.
WE KEEP PUSHING. pic.twitter.com/0TFvE1TVNT
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 25, 2026
