Arsenal got back to winning ways on Saturday with a tight 1-0 victory over Newcastle United in the English Premier League, while Manchester City came from behind to beat Southampton 2-1 in the FA Cup semi-final.
With the victory, Arsenal regained their place at the top of the Premier League, with Eberechi Eze’s first-half strike enough for the Gunners in the hard-fought clash at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s side had dropped to second place for the first time since October after Manchester City’s win against Burnley in midweek had seen them go top of the table on goal difference.
Arsenal started the game well and took the lead in the ninth minute through Eze after a well-worked short corner.
The England international was passed the ball on the edge of the box by Kai Havertz and curled an excellent strike into the top corner.
Newcastle had chances of their own through William Osula, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali but could not find a way to score in the first half.
Eddie Howe introduced Yoanne Wissa and Harvey Barnes after the break as the away side chased an equaliser.
And Wissa missed a golden opportunity late on to level the match as Newcastle were defeated for the fourth league match in a row.
The win moves Arsenal three points clear at the top of the Premier League having played a game more than title-rivals Manchester City.
The only negative of the day for the Gunners was that both Havertz and Eze had to be substituted with injury.
At Wembley, Manchester City survived a shock to edge past Southampton and reach a record fourth consecutive FA Cup final to keep alive their hopes of claiming a domestic treble.
Pep Guardiola’s side have already lifted the Carabao Cup this season and will return to the capital on May 16 when they will be heavy favourites against either Chelsea or Leeds United.
The Spaniard made eight changes to the side that edged past Burnley in midweek and City’s second string were unable to find any rhythm or create clear-cut chances in a scrappy opening period.
Omar Marmoush’s shot at the near post was kept out by the feet of Southampton goalkeeper Daniel Peretz, while Saints celebrations were cut short when Leo Scienza’s cool finish was disallowed for offside.
Southampton managed their first shot on target on 55 minutes but Ross Stewart’s effort was straight into the grasp of James Trafford, while at the other end, substitute Savinho’s bending strike was pushed away by Peretz.
The semi-final came alive 11 minutes from time when Finn Azaz curled home an unstoppable strike into the top corner from 20 yards out to spark joyous scenes in the Saints end, but they were silenced just two minutes later when Jeremy Doku’s deflected shot crept into the far corner.
And with extra-time looming, Nico Gonzalez stepped up to power home a thumping strike past the reach of Peretz to turn the game around for City in their search for a third FA Cup triumph under Guardiola.
Agency reports
