Jamie Redknapp criticized Arsenal for appearing "strangled by fear" despite their narrow Premier League victory over Newcastle. The Gunners returned to the top of the table thanks to Eberechi Eze's ninth-minute strike, a moment of quality that proved decisive in an otherwise nervy performance at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal's sloppy play created tension throughout the match, with Redknapp suggesting title pressure affected the team's normally confident approach. The home side lost Kai Havertz to injury in the first half before Eze was withdrawn as a precaution early in the second period, leaving Newcastle with a chance they nearly capitalized on through Yoane Wissa's glaring miss.

Merson echoed Redknapp's view that Eze provided the "X-factor" Arsenal desperately needed, suggesting the club signed him specifically for such moments of magic. With the three points crucial for their title aspirations, Arsenal must now build on this victory while acknowledging they'll likely need to maintain a perfect run to secure the championship.