Arsenal moved three points clear at the Premier League summit but face significant injury concerns after Eberechi Eze and Kai Havertz were both forced off during their 1-0 victory over Newcastle. The win restored Arsenal’s position above Manchester City following the champions’ midweek victory over Burnley. According to Skysports.com.
Arsenal injury worries overshadow return to Premier League summit
Eze’s stunning ninth-minute strike from the edge of the box proved decisive, but the England international’s withdrawal in the second half after going down off the ball will concern manager Mikel Arteta. The winger was able to take a seat on the bench after speaking with Arteta, suggesting his injury may be less serious.
Havertz’s situation appears more concerning after the striker went straight down the tunnel following his first-half substitution. The German looked glum as he departed, having also gone to ground off the ball during what has already been an injury-hit campaign for the forward.
Arsenal struggled to build momentum after Eze’s early goal, creating little until Bukayo Saka’s late introduction as a substitute. The England international made his first appearance since last month’s Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City, sending a deflected effort narrowly wide and helping create an opening for Martin Odegaard.
Newcastle’s poor form continued with their fourth consecutive Premier League defeat, though they threatened an equaliser in an anxious finale. Substitute Yoane Wissa fired wastefully over after being played in on goal by Nick Woltemade, while Dan Burn headed straight at David Raya during seven minutes of stoppage time.
The victory gives Arsenal breathing space at the top ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League trip to Atletico Madrid, though the injury concerns surrounding two key players will dominate preparations. Eze was moving comfortably when he joined team-mates on the pitch after the final whistle, but Havertz’s enforced withdrawal represents a significant worry.
