Arsenal regained the top spot in the Premier League with a hard-fought victory over Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners had dropped to second place for the first time since October after Manchester City’s midweek win over Burnley saw them go top on goal difference.
Mikel Arteta’s side had slid to second position for the first time since October, following Manchester City’s midweek triumph against Burnley, which had sent them to the top of the standings on goal difference.
Arsenal opened the game strongly and took the lead in the ninth minute when Eberechi Eze converted a well-worked short corner.
Kai Havertz sent the ball to the England international on the edge of the box, who curled a superb strike into the top corner.
Newcastle had their own chances through William Osula, Bruno Guimaraes, and Sandro Tonali but were unable to strike in the first half.
Eddie Howe brought on Yoane Wissa and Harvey Barnes after the break as the away side sought an equalizer.
And Wissa squandered a fantastic opportunity to square the contest late on, as Newcastle lost their fourth league encounter in a row.
Arsenal now leads the Premier League by three points after playing one more game than their title rival Manchester City.
The Gunners’ sole downside of the day was that Havertz and Eze had to be replaced due to injuries.
