After all the discussions about Arsenal needing to be more adventurous, attack more fiercely and the Premier League title may be decided by goal difference, the "Gunners" remained unchanged.
Eberechi Eze's beautiful goal in the 9th minute was a highlight in the 1-0 victory over Newcastle United - a match that was not too quality but full of drama and tension.
This victory helps Arsenal return to the top and have the opportunity to create a 6-point gap with Manchester City. However, with what they have shown, it is clear that they must not be subjective when 4 tense rounds are still waiting ahead.
After the match, coach Mikel Arteta admitted that his team was used to the pressure and did not expect everything to be easy after more than two decades of waiting for titles.
This victory also comes with a significant price. Kai Havertz left the field early due to a groin injury, and Eze also could not play the rest of the match. The possibility of both missing the away match to Spain against Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League is very high.
Notably, Arsenal is inferior in many indicators, from ball possession, number of shots and even expected goals, against a Newcastle that is declining and lacks key players like Anthony Gordon or Tino Livramento.
However, they still won all 3 points - the most important thing in this stage. The debate about the need to win big to improve goal difference may be theoretically correct, but Arteta is clearly not caught up in that. Arsenal is loyal to the familiar formula - taking advantage of set pieces and protecting the advantage.
Eze's goal is a clear proof. A short corner kick was deployed, the ball passed Havertz before reaching Eze - who unleashed a classy finish from the edge of the penalty area, defeating Nick Pope.
Coach Eddie Howe admitted that his team had prepared for short passes, but could not prevent them. This goal continues to extend the impressive statistics. Arsenal currently holds the record for the number of goals from corner kicks in a Premier League season, as well as the number of openings from these situations.
However, the early advantage did not help Arsenal breathe easier. Newcastle gradually controlled the game and created more dangerous situations, especially after the break. Howe's substitutions - with Yoane Wissa, Harvey Barnes and Nick Woltemade - almost brought an equalizer, when Wissa missed a good opportunity at close range.
Meanwhile, Arteta could not hide his frustration with the refereeing, especially the situation where he thought the opponent deserved a red card - similar to the previous play in the match against Man City. The final minutes of the match clearly showed physical exhaustion. Martin Odegaard collapsed on the field when the match ended, while Gabriel Martinelli was almost exhausted.
But that is the price of the championship race. Arsenal has chosen a path that is not flashy. They win minimally, endure pressure and move forward step by step. And at this stage of the season, it is sometimes more valuable than any other jubilant victory.
