Arsenal ground out their first domestic win in five games as they beat Newcastle 1-0 to return to the top of the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta’s side started in fine fashion and found the breakthrough via a rocket from the boot of Eberechi Eze, who blasted into the top-left corner following a well-worked corner.
He was set up by Kai Havertz but both were off the pitch by the hour mark due to injury, giving Mikel Arteta another headache in the medical department on a day where fans celebrated the return of Bukayo Saka from a month on the treatment table.
Arsenal were forced to endure a nervy finale after with Newcastle, who were fortunate not to go down to 10-men after a clumsy challenge from Nick Pope, fluffing two late chances, Yoane Wissa and Dan Burn the culprits.
But the Gunners were able to survive on this occasion, returning to the league’s pinnacle after seeing their 200-day stint at the top ended by Manchester City in midweek.
Follow all the action from the Emirates Stadium in our live blog below:
Arsenal vs Newcastle LIVE
- Arsenal see out crucial win over Newcastle to return to top of table
- Eberechi Eze's rocket proved the difference
- Mikel Arteta faces nervy wait over fresh injury problems
- 9' GOAL! Eze rocket breaks deadlock for Gunners [ARS 1-0 NEW]
Bruno: We need help
Saturday 25 April 2026 22:30 , Alan SmithNewcastle’s captain, who made a first start since February on Saturday evening, was asked by BBC Sport if the club needs reinforcements this summer.
To which he replied: "I hope so, I cannot comment too much, I am just a player, but we have to improve a lot of things in the club. I think we need help."
Arsenal's 'change in energy'
Saturday 25 April 2026 22:00 , Alan Smith"We had a huge reset and I sensed a change in energy in the dressing room,” Arteta told BBC Sport. “We enjoyed what we had to do and now we play the Champions League against Atletico Madrid in the semi-final which is incredible."
Arteta injury update
Saturday 25 April 2026 21:30 , Alan SmithAfter Havertz and Eze hobbled off with issues, Arteta said: "Both of them had to come off, I think it was small niggles. We don't know the extent of that. Probably tomorrow we will know more."
Five straight defeats but Howe reckons Toon turned corner
Saturday 25 April 2026 21:00 , Alan Smith"I thought we saw defensive resilience, we didn’t have the look of a team who was going to concede today. To lose in the manner we did is disappointing,” he told the BBC.
"It was out best performance for a while but we have to get out of the habit of losing games. We had a lot of ball (but) we’re in that moment where we’re finding ways to lose games."
Asked if every game until the end of the season is a final for him and his staff amid speculation he may leave in the summer, Howe added: "We're working as hard as we can to get results that justify the club we are at."
A semblance of freedom again
Saturday 25 April 2026 20:51 , Will CastleFor so long, the trip to Manchester City was weighing on Arsenal’s mind. The fear of the worst-case scenario was torturing their psyche: that their nine-point advantage would be wiped out in a matter of 11 days. That’s exactly what transpired - and suddenly, Arsenal are playing with a semblance of freedom again.
Arsenal came into their clash with Newcastle - one of five potentially title-deciding outings remaining in their Premier League season - knocked off the top of the table after a 200-day stint. Mikel Arteta denied there was any psychological impact to being second, but it didn’t seem that way.
Both on the pitch and in the stands, anxiety at the first whistle had eased, perhaps taking a liking to the growing perception that they are now the underdogs in this title race. The worst had happened - now it was their job to stage a fightback.
Read Will Castle’s report from the Emirates here.
Up next
Saturday 25 April 2026 20:26 , Alan SmithArsenal now turn their attention to the Champions League semi-final first leg away to Atletico Madrid on Wednesday evening before a home Premier League game versus Fulham next Saturday.
Newcastle, meanwhile, host Brighton on Saturday.
Howe reacts
Saturday 25 April 2026 20:02 , Alan Smith"We feel today was a big step forward in terms of our performance. It was much better from a defensive performance,” the Newcastle head coach told BBC Sport.
"To lose in the way we did was disappointing. We had a few chances and that was pleasing. We were much better with the ball and we are going to be with Bruno's return. We are frustrated to lose the game and the disappointing run continues which is something we want to stop.
"Performances always give you hope if they are heading in the right direction. Our confidence and belief has been missing but I think today will have turned the corner. Easy to say but now we need to deliver."
Arteta reacts
Saturday 25 April 2026 20:00 , Alan Smith“We got the result we wanted and we are very happy,” the Arsenal manager told Sky. “They made five subs and it felt like they made ten subs... The margins are very short.
“We had so much discipline, courage and great habits defensively, but there are moments with the ball when we have to do much better. We want to be more dominant.”
Odegaard on corners
Saturday 25 April 2026 19:34 , Alan Smith“Our quality is we can score in many different ways. Credit to the work we did on the training ground. The stadium was a bit annoyed we took it short but it paid off in the end and a great finish by Ebs in the end.”
'Tough but we got the win'
Saturday 25 April 2026 19:33 , Alan SmithOdegaard, on Sky: “It was tough, very intense and physical. We did everything we could and got the win. That was the most important thing today, to bounce back and get the win.”
Tired celebrations
Saturday 25 April 2026 19:30 , Alan SmithArsenal players look utterly spent here, several dropping to their knees in exhaustion. They need to go again in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night but tonight Arsenal go to bed three points clear of Manchester City with four games remaining and an extra played while their goal difference is now +1 better.
FULL-TIME! Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 19:28 , Alan SmithNervous, low-quality. But Arsenal are back to winning ways and back on top of the Premier League table for now.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 19:28 , Alan Smith97’ - Newcastle have a free kick, 40 yards out and on the right. Tonali will take. Pope is up. It’s headed away.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 19:26 , Alan Smith96’ - Tonali wins a corner and everyone but Pope, who is on halfway, is up. It fails to beat the first man. What a waste.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 19:25 , Alan Smith95’ - It’s tense, it’s tetchy and there is very little football being played. Which Arsenal won’ mind as long as Newcastle are kept at bay.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 19:24 , Alan Smith94’ - Hincapie hoofs an aimless cross away.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 19:23 , Alan Smith93’ - The third sees Elanga venture down the right but Hincapie does brilliantly to intercept from him. Arsenal then break and Gyokeres spurns a great chance with a very, very poor pass towards Saka.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 19:22 , Alan Smith92’ - And the second sees a Newcastle long throw sent straight at Raya.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 19:21 , Alan Smith91’ - The first of those seven has passed incident free.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 19:20 , Alan Smith90’ - There will be seven minutes of added time.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 19:19 , Alan Smith88’ - Pope is still being booed by the home fans as he takes a goal kick. If anything it is momentarily distracting Arsenal fans from their anxiety. They are almost there... but can Newcastle fashion one more chance?
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 19:16 , Alan Smith87’ - Newcastle substitution: Elanga replaces Willock.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 19:16 , Alan Smith86’ - The corner is delayed because White has gone dramatically following a slight nudge in the box. On Sky Gary Neville describes it as “embarrassing.” When the set-piece is finally taken, all danger is cleared.
At Wembley Manchester City have come from behind to beat Southampton 2-1 in their FA Cup semi-final.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 19:14 , Alan Smith83’ - Fresh signs of Newcastle adventure. Miley puts in a cross from the right, Burn rises high and heads into Raya’s grateful arms.
Moments later Gyokeres, via Botman, earns another corner for Arsenal after some decent work from Saka in the build-up. His introduction has instantly lifted the home supporters.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 19:12 , Alan Smith82’ - From that set-piece Martinelli attempts an audacious overhead kick. It is straight at Pope.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 19:11 , Alan Smith81’ - And within 30 seconds of coming on Saka cuts in and shoots. It is deflected off Burn for a corner. More like it from the hosts.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 19:10 , Alan Smith81’ - Arsenal substitutions: Lewis-Skelly and (to loud roars) Saka have entered, Zubimendi and Madueke have departed
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 19:10 , Alan Smith80’ - Big chance Newcastle. Woltemade plays a delightful lobbed pass towards Wissa. He has only Raya to beat but misses the target from eight yards.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 19:07 , Alan Smith77’ - Rice’s outswinger is begging for someone to touch home. Yet no one does and it goes out for a goal kick. Meanwhile, many home fans continue booing the decision not to dismiss Pope. During that furore, Woltemade has come on for Newcastle.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 19:05 , Alan Smith74’ - Goodness. Drama at last. Odegaard chips over the top to Gyokeres and Pope rushes off his line to try and get to the ball. He doesn’t but he does take Gyokeres out wide on Arsenal’s right. Referee Sam Barrott shows a yellow card because Thiaw is also getting back to ensure it’s not the denial of a goalscoring opportunity. Arsenal will have a free-kick out wide, Newcastle retain all 11 players.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 19:03 , Alan Smith73’ - A half-chance. Madueke cuts inside Burn and finds Zubimendi but his attempt is blocked.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 19:01 , Alan Smith71’ - Martinelli is booked for a trip on Willock, who was breaking after Arsenal’s Brazilian gave away possession initially.
Manchester City have equalised against Southampton entering the final few minutes at Wembley.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 18:59 , Alan Smith70’ - For a reason only he will know, Bruno sends it straight at Raya. And the Arsenal goalkeeper then throws long to the breaking Martinelli before he is stopped.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 18:58 , Alan Smith69’ - Newcastle are increasingly dominant without regularly making Raya work. Bruno wins a foul off Martinelli closer to halfway than the goal but Newcastle will send the big men up.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 18:56 , Alan Smith66’ - Double Newcastle substitution: Barnes and Wissa are on, Osula and Murphy are off.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 18:56 , Alan Smith65’ - Space opens up in front of Rice but just as he loads up to shoot Thiaw blocks.
Over at Wembley Southampton lead Manchester City 1-0 in the FA Cup semi-final with 10 minutes to go.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 18:53 , Alan Smith62’ - Arsenal win a corner. They follow the formula of going short but it ends up back to Raya. Fans groan and Odegaard signals back to the home seats for them to roar in support.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 18:50 , Alan Smith60’ - There is no flow to this. Another stoppage as Botman goes down after Hincapie’s boot accidentally hits him in the back of the head following a fair challenge. It’s a little sore but he will be fine to continue after his 30 second break on the sideline.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 18:48 , Alan Smith57’ - Set-pieces aside Arsenal are still so passive and predictable. Just as well for them that Newcastle keep conceding free kicks. The latest sees Burn booked for a rugby tackle on Gyokeres and Odegaard will take it short from the right to Madueke. His shot is blocked by Burn.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 18:45 , Alan Smith54’ - Back underway, Arsenal win a free-kick about 40 yards out. Odegaard and Rice stand over it. The former steps over it, the latter crosses and it evades everyone and goes out for a goal kick. No matter, the offside flag is raised (incorrectly upon replay).
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 18:43 , Alan Smith53’ - Arsenal substitution: Martinelli is on, Eze walks off and whispers to Arteta in the technical area before taking a seat on the bench. They will be desperate not to lose him or Havertz.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 18:42 , Alan Smith51’ - More worries for Arsenal. Eze is now down and his evening may also be ending prematurely owing to injury. Thomas Tuchel is in the stands watching a large number of England players.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 18:40 , Alan Smith49’ - Better from Arsenal. White’s deep cross from the right is knocked back by Hincapie. While Eze loses an aerial duel, that is a clearer sign of intent and intensity from the home team.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 18:38 , Alan Smith47’ - Arteta, in that trademark dark quarter-zip, is pacing up and down his technical area. On the pitch, there is a pause because there seems to be an issue with an assistant referee’s earpiece.
RESTARTED! Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 18:35 , Alan Smith46’ - The away team get the second half underway.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 18:35 , Alan SmithThe teams are on their way back out. On Sky a graphic compares the teams’ attacking output. Arsenal may be leading but they are second best on xG, shots, shots on target, shots in open play and - presumably - a whole host of other categories that matter little when the result is going their way.
HALF-TIME Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 18:19 , Alan SmithThe Gunners lead at the break. Eze’s goal was a beauty but aside from that it has been a rather ugly.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 18:18 , Alan Smith45+2’ - A long spell of Newcastle possession breaks down at the feet of Odegaard who, for a brief second, seems free to break. But that move also breaks down and the interval is approaching.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 18:16 , Alan Smith45’ - There will be three minutes of added time.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 18:14 , Alan Smith44’ - The screens show Arsenal fans chomping nails off their fingers. And we are yet to reach half-time.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 18:13 , Alan Smith43’ - Arsenal, displaying minimal intensity, pass it across the back for a minute and when they finally venture forward, White gifts possession back to the visitors.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 18:12 , Alan Smith42’ - Never mind. It’s taken short to Tonali and his shot is blocked.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 18:11 , Alan Smith41’ - Saliba trips Miley to give Newcastle another free-kick 35 yards from goal that Bruno will relish creating something from.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 18:08 , Alan Smith38’ - Dan Burn shoots far, far off target as a graphic pops up on the TV screen to show Newcastle have had seven attempts to their hosts’ three - and that includes the most recent four. The tension - despite the lead- appears to be creeping back up again.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 18:06 , Alan Smith36’ - Willock, meanwhile, was declared fine to continue and Newcastle remain more consistently ambitious.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 18:04 , Alan Smith34’ - Arsenal sub: Gyokeres is on for Havertz, who hobbles down the tunnel.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 18:03 , Alan Smith33’ - And now Havertz is down for an upper leg issue. We’re not immediately certain of what caused it but he looks in trouble and Gyokeres is warming up.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 18:02 , Alan Smith32’ - Another good chance for Newcastle as Bruno finds Osula who, in turn, passes to Willock just outside the box. He is closed down when shooting wide and then goes down injured in a bit of discomfort.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 18:01 , Alan Smith30’ - The corner is dealt with unconvincingly and, after Rice heads lamely towards Tonali, the Italy midfielder dispatches a powerful, awkward effort from range that bounces right in front of Raya. Arsenal’s goalkeeper makes a fine, reaction stop to keep his team in front.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 17:59 , Alan Smith29’ - Saka is out for a warm-up and the home fans rise to applaud. On the pitch, Madueke and Eze play semi-decent passes into the box before Newcastle counter and win a corner via the head of Saliba.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 17:58 , Alan Smith28’ - Eze’s goal, for those keeping track, was the 17th Arsenal have scored from a corner so far this season - a Premier League record.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 17:56 , Alan Smith26’ - That’s a bit nicer from Arsenal. Down the inside right, Odegaard and Madueke exchange neat passes but the move breaks down when Zubimendi is crowded out when appearing to line up an effort.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 17:55 , Alan Smith24’ - Down the other end Osula wins a smart free kick on the left. Bruno takes it and an opportunity to dial up the pressure is spurned by Ramsey firing harmlessly off target.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 17:54 , Alan Smith23’ - Botman does really well to slide in and block an Odegaard attempt from just outside the penalty area.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 17:53 , Alan Smith21’ - A bit of a lull ends with Burn sending a ball over the top towards Osula - except this time Saliba is alert to the danger and uses his head to clear.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 17:49 , Alan Smith18’ - Willock tries to curl in from a tricky area but Raya collects calmly.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 17:47 , Alan Smith16’ - Newcastle, save for the set-piece concession, have been the better team here. Arsenal do seem content to play on the counterattack but it is a fairly unusual sight so early on and they have coughed up possession cheaply in their own half on at least three occasions so far.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 17:44 , Alan Smith13’ - Newcastle are back in possession but this should be a position from which Arsenal can now thrive.
The first two corners - despite fans inside the ground complaining - now seem to be a smart rope-a-dope from the home team.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle (Eze)
Saturday 25 April 2026 17:41 , Alan Smith10’ - Now a third corner after Madueke’s delivery is cut out by Thiaw.
And, yes, it is taken short by Madueke but this time to Havertz inside the area. The Germany star turns and feeds out to Eze and he drills home fantastically. That will calm the anxiety that was already growing.
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 17:38 , Alan Smith7’ - It’s taken short and the promise fizzles out. But Arsenal do recycle the ball and Madueke wins another corner following a low cross from the right.
Yet this one is again taken short, some fans groan. Then again the move does end with a shot - Eze firing harmlessly wide off his left from about 22 yards.
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 17:37 , Alan Smith6’ - Though just as I type that, Havertz wins a corner off Tonali having been closed down on the right wing. All the big men are on their way up and Madueke will deliver.
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 17:36 , Alan Smith6’ Arsenal are yet to get out of their own half for a prolonged spell here. Newcastle, with little to play for, are performing with a degree of freedom.
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 17:34 , Alan Smith3’ - A good start from the visitors here. Zubimendi loses the ball cheaply, Newcastle break but Bruno fires harmlessly over.
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
Saturday 25 April 2026 17:31 , Alan Smith1’ - Osula, momentarily, gets a sight of goal after zooming past Saliba with strange ease but he fresh airs his attempt
Kick-off
Saturday 25 April 2026 17:31 , Alan Smith1’ - We’re underway, Arsenal captain Odegaard getting us going with the hosts playing left to right as we watch. Both sides are in their first-choice strips.
Nearly time
Saturday 25 April 2026 17:26 , Alan SmithThe teams are in the tunnel, the atmosphere sounds dialed up and we’re almost ready to go.
Setting the scene
Saturday 25 April 2026 17:10 , Alan Smith.jpeg)
Full-time in the 3pms
Saturday 25 April 2026 17:02 , Alan SmithIt’s mixed news for Tottenham Hotspur, who have won 1-0 away to Wolves to end their long wait for three points. But Dominic Solanke and Xavi Simons were both taken off with injuries - a particularly serious knee issue on first viewing for the latter.
And Roberto De Zerbi’s side remain in the bottom three because neighbours West Ham secured a late, late 2-1 win at home to Everton thanks to Callum Wilson’s 93rd minute effort.
Liverpool, meanwhile, won 3-1 at home to Crystal Palace but Mo Salah hobbled off with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.
- Liverpool 3-1 Crystal Palace
- West Ham 2-1 Everton
- Wolves 0-1 Tottenham Hotspur
- Early kick-off: Fulham 1-0 Aston Villa
Odegaard: We'll keep going
Saturday 25 April 2026 16:55 , Alan SmithWriting in the matchday programme, Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has said they will keep battling.
“We are all fully aware what we need to do, what’s at stake and what position we are in. That’s our opportunity today. We are facing another strong side, one we know well, so it’s a chance to bounce back and keep going. We want to go all the way to the end and that's what we're going to do.
“It's just game by game and about being in the moment and trying to win every time you play. Our mentality is to keep going, because we always knew it was going to be hard right up to the very end. We are working hard, sticking together and looking forward to every game. It's all to play for and it's the best part of the season.”
High-scoring but narrow margins
Saturday 25 April 2026 16:45 , Alan SmithThere have been more than 2.5 goals scored in nine of Newcastle’s past 10 league games but all of the past nine have been settled by a single goal.
Last meeting
Saturday 25 April 2026 16:35 , Alan SmithThe reverse game at St James’ Park had quite the ending.
Thanks to Nick Woltemade’s 34th-minute goal, Newcastle were leading until the 84th minute. Then Mikel Merino, teed up by Declan Rice following a well-worked short corner routine, equalised with a header before deep into added time Gabriel converted Martin Odegaard’s corner to steal three points.
Returning faces
Saturday 25 April 2026 16:22 , Alan SmithSaka is fit enough for a place on the bench, then, with Kai Havertz chosen to lead the home line and Ben White back in the XI.
The big news for the visitors is Bruno making his anticipated return to the starting XI following last week’s appearance off the bench.
Arsenal XI - confirmed
Saturday 25 April 2026 16:17 , Alan SmithAnd here is how Arteta’s hosts line up
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 25, 2026
🔙 White returns
✨ Eze and Odegaard bringing the creativity
🫡 Havertz leads the line
Relish the battle, Gunners 💪
🤝 Presented by @deel
Newcastle XI - confirmed
Saturday 25 April 2026 16:16 , Alan SmithThis is the team named by Howe
UNITED 👊 pic.twitter.com/6wwwfIJMDg
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) April 25, 2026
Howe speaks
Saturday 25 April 2026 16:10 , Alan Smith"We're all feeling that pain at the moment,” the Newcastle manager said of his team’s rut. “It's been a difficult period for us. We've prided ourselves historically on if we lose, fighting to the end and giving everything to try and get a result.
“I feel the players are currently lacking in a little bit of confidence. There's only one way to re-find that though and that's through, in my opinion, hard work, a really good period of training, players staying very stable mentally and seeing it for what it is.”
Will Arsenal be looking at goal difference?
Saturday 25 April 2026 16:05 , Alan Smith“We don't know,” Arteta said on Friday afternoon. “We are just talking about possibilities. The first thing we have to do is earn the right to win the game and then win it, and then, depending on how the situation is, you can think about something else. But the priority is that you have to be better than the opposition, earn the right to win the game and win it. That’s the first thing.”
Arteta speaks
Saturday 25 April 2026 16:00 , Alan SmithThe Arsenal manager, during Friday’s pre-match press conference, said he remains full of “belief in our players, in our people and the willingness that we have to achieve what we want” having slipped to the second in the table.
Asked if they have to be perfect between now and the end of the season, he added: “I don't know. It's five games to go, four weeks, two big competitions to play for and everything to play for. If someone had told us that at the beginning of the season, we would have taken it. We are so excited, and tomorrow is game one.”
How Arsenal’s summer transfer business set up Premier League title race collapse
Saturday 25 April 2026 15:50 , Richard JollyArsenal’s lack of firepower is proving decisive in the battle with Man City and their recruitment strategy last year is at least partly to blame, Richard Jolly writes.
Last weekend Declan Rice’s on-pitch message at full time – “it’s not done” – was notable because it amounted to an acceptance some would think it is. April can be the cruellest month for Arteta; last year, points were dropped against Everton, Brentford and Crystal Palace, while 2024 brought a home defeat to Aston Villa, and 2023 saw a four-game winless run.
Whether physically or psychologically, Arsenal can be worn down by this stage of the season.
But how has last summer’s market activity impacted them in 2026?
How to watch
Saturday 25 April 2026 15:40 , Alan SmithFor viewers in the UK and Ireland, this evening’s encounter will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Here is your comprehensive guide about how to follow all the action.
Newcastle team news
Saturday 25 April 2026 15:30 , Alan SmithEddie Howe, meanwhile, travels south without captain Bruno Guimaraes set to be involved having returned from injury in the defeat to Bournemouth last weekend as a substitute.
That’s where the good selection news ends, though. Anthony Gordon, who has a hip injury, and Tino Livramento, because of a tweaked hamstring, are unavailable. Joelinton is suspended having received a 10th yellow card against Bournemouth last weekend.
Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth remain long-term absentees owing to knee issues.
Arsenal team news
Saturday 25 April 2026 15:15 , Alan SmithIn the nick of time, Arteta is expecting to welcome Bukayo Saka back into the squad this evening, along with Riccardo Calafiori, although it is unclear if either will be able to go straight into the starting XI.
Jurrien Timber and Mikel Merino remain absent.
Hello
Saturday 25 April 2026 15:00 , Alan Smith... and welcome to live coverage of a huge clash that could have a major say on who wins the Premier League title. Arsenal, licking their wounds and in search of a response following last Sunday’s defeat away to Manchester City, are now second in the table having spent the majority of the campaign top.
But Mikel Arteta’s team know that a win against Newcastle, who are out of form and contention for any of their pre-season targets, would return them to the top because City face Southampton in an FA Cup semi-final.
Kick-off at the Emirates Stadium is 17:30 BST.
