Arsenal fielded their strongest lineup, despite an impending challenging away trip to Atletico Madrid for the first leg of their Champions League semifinal. Coach Mikel Arteta was unwilling to take risks. Arsenal needed a victory, ideally a dominant one, as the Premier League title race could be decided by goal difference.

However, the Gunners' performance was rather lackluster. Their attacking prowess lacked sharpness and creativity for most of the first half. The hosts managed only three shots, with a modest expected goals (xG) of 0,08. Newcastle played more proactively, threatening the goal nine times and achieving an xG of 0,35.

Eberechi Eze shoots towards the far corner to open the scoring...

Then celebrates during Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Newcastle in premier league round 34 at Emirates Stadium, London, England on 25/4. Photo: Reuters

Amidst the stalemate, Arsenal was forced to seek a breakthrough from a set-piece – and they succeeded. In the 9th minute, from a corner on the right wing, Noni Madueke, instead of delivering a typical cross, played a short pass to Kai Havertz. The German forward took two touches before laying the ball off to the edge of the box, perfectly positioned for Eberechi Eze to strike with his right foot. The ball swerved, flying straight into the far corner, making goalkeeper Nick Pope's dive merely an embellishment for the wonder goal.

This opening goal further highlighted Arsenal's prowess from set-pieces. This Premier League season alone, they have set a new record for goals scored from corners (17 goals), and are also the team with the most opening goals from corners (10 goals). Notably, Arsenal has scored only two goals from short corner routines, both against Newcastle.

The dull pattern of play continued into the second half. Despite holding a one-goal lead, Arsenal failed to significantly improve their performance. In the stands at Emirates, many supporters shook their heads in frustration at their team's struggles, and the atmosphere consequently lacked its usual fervor.

A rare moment that ignited the stadium occurred in the 74th minute, when Martin Odegaard delivered a long pass over the defense for Viktor Gyokeres to chase. Goalkeeper Nick Pope rushed far out of his penalty area but missed the ball, forcing him to foul the Arsenal forward. However, the referee only issued a yellow card, as the incident took place about 40 meters from the goal, and center-back Malick Thiaw was still available to cover.

The incident where Nick Pope fouled Viktor Gyokeres and received a yellow card. Photo: PA

The final minutes became a test of the home team's resolve. Newcastle pushed forward, constantly sending high balls into the penalty area, causing Arsenal's defense to waver repeatedly. Only when referee Samuel Barrott blew the final whistle was the anxiety finally dispelled. On the sideline, coach Mikel Arteta repeatedly punched the air in excitement, while Arsenal players embraced each other, celebrating a hard-fought but significant victory.

With the narrow 1-0 victory, the Gunners returned to the top of the Premier League table with 73 points, three points ahead of Man City, though having played one more match. However, the home team's joy was tempered as Kai Havertz and Eberechi Eze both experienced issues and had to leave the field early, raising concerns ahead of the decisive stretch of the season.

Hong Duy