Pundit Jamie Redknapp lauded Eberechi Eze's decisive role in Arsenal's narrow victory over Newcastle, but noted that the team's performance was hindered by fear. Despite Eze's stunning ninth-minute goal from outside the box, the Gunners struggled to find their rhythm, particularly after losing Kai Havertz to injury in the first half and Eze being withdrawn early in the second. According to Redknapp, the pressure of the title race is taking a toll on the team, causing them to make individual mistakes and lose their composure.
Eze's goal, his seventh in the Premier League this season, proved to be the turning point, and Redknapp believes it was exactly what Arsenal needed to secure a vital three points. Fellow pundit Paul Merson also praised Eze's contribution, describing him as the 'X-factor' who can make a difference in crucial games.