Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle: Gunners pick up important win in Premier League title race

Arsenal will move six points clear of second-placed Manchester City if they beat Fulham at home next week, but City will have two games in hand as they advance to this weekend’s FA Cup semi-finals.

This is because Manchester City play in the FA Cup semi-final against Southampton earlier on Saturday and will not return to league play until Monday, May 4, when they play Everton.

Having that points buffer in place before City’s next game at Everton on Monday 4 May would be a huge boost for Arteta’s side, given they enter this weekend top of the table for the first time since October.

According to Opta, Arsenal’s chance of lifting the Premier League trophy at the end of the season is 72.44%, while Manchester City’s chance is 27.56%.

Former Crystal Palace and Brighton striker Glenn Murray said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “You can’t question their fight. Arsenal gave everything on the field today.” he said.

“Another huge three points to keep Arsenal top of the league.”

Arsenal have been without a major trophy since the 2020 FA Cup victory in Arteta’s first season in charge.

Captain Martin Odegaard also said that the players’ effort was due to every member of the team doing their best to get over the line.

“It was tough, very intense and very physical,” he told Sky Sports. “We did everything we could and got the win, the most important thing was to come back with the win and get over the line with three points.”

But the attention of Odegaard, who played the full 90 minutes, and the rest of the squad quickly turned to Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid.

“This program is crazy,” Odegaard added. “We’ve got to keep going. It’s the end of the season, put everything in us out there, fight every game and we’ve got to keep going.

“This is where we want to be, but it’s going to go all the way. We’re ready for it and we’re going to fight every day.”