Arsenal – Newcastle United: Eze Goal, Difficult Win (1-0)

Eberechi Eze’s early goal was enough to get Arsenal over the line in a challenging game against Newcastle United. The away side’s high press proved tough for Arsenal to negotiate, and Mikel Arteta’s side surrendered possession for much of the game in order to defend their slim lead.

Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley.

Despite having led the Premier League table for most of the season, Arsenal have once again found themselves struggling to seal the deal towards the end of the season. After last week’s defeat at the Etihad Stadium, Mikel Arteta’s side now find themselves level on points with Manchester City with no room for error.

Newcastle United meanwhile have experienced a very underwhelming season by recent standards. With no real hope of European qualification, the Magpies came into this game on the back of three losses on the bounce against Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, and Sunderland.

Arsenal lined up in a 4-2-3-1 shape for this one, with Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, and Piero Hincapié in the backline. Martín Zubimendi and Declan Rice were the double pivot behind number ten Martin Ødegaard, while Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze flanked Kai Havertz up front.

Eddie Howe meanwhile fielded a 4-3-3 formation for Newcastle. Lewis Miley, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, and Dan Burn were the back four, while the midfield trio consisted of Joe Willock, Bruno Guimarães, and Sandro Tonali. Jacob Murphy, William Osula, and Jacob Ramsey . . .