Arsenal edged back ahead in the Premier League title race, with Eberechi Eze's early goal earning a 1-0 win over Newcastle United.

The Gunners were knocked off top spot in midweek after Manchester City beat Burnley, but they returned to the summit after grinding out a narrow victory over Eddie Howe's out-of-form side.

An open start saw Bruno Guimaraes curl a shot just over the bar before Eze dragged an effort wide following a set-piece at the other end.

But Eze whipped a delightful finish into the top-left corner from a cleverly worked Arsenal set-piece in the ninth minute to put the hosts in front at Emirates Stadium.

Joe Willock curled a strike straight at David Raya, who then kept Arsenal in front on the half-hour mark. He brilliantly readjusted his feet to quickly get down to Sandro Tonali's dipping long-range effort.

A low-key second half almost started to burst into life late on, with second-half substitute Yoane Wissa sending an acrobatic effort sailing over the crossbar in Newcastle's best opening.

Martin Odegaard also saw a late drive pushed away by Nick Pope as Arsenal chased a second goal, but they had already done enough to move three points clear of City, who have a game in hand due to their FA Cup exploits.

Data Debrief: Arsenal show off set-piece prowess again

Arsenal have become synonymous with their set-piece expertise this season, and their winner came from another perfectly worked corner.

They now hold the Premier League record for the most goals from corners in a single season (17). 13 of those have put them 1-0 up, with this also the most times a team have opened the scoring via a corner goal in a Premier League campaign.

Only two of Arsenal's 17 goals from corners in the top-flight this season have come when taken short – both of those have been scored home and away against Newcastle.

As for the Magpies, the pressure continues to rise on Howe. Their 16 losses in the Premier League this season are their most in a single campaign since 2020-21 (17). Nine of those defeats have come in 2026 – the joint-most in the competition (level with Tottenham and Burnley).