Arsenal breezed past Newcastle 3-0 at the Emirates on Monday evening, just nine days after their hard-fought victory in the FA Cup, to keep the prospect of European football next season alive.
A ruthless second-half display saw the Gunners rediscover their cutting edge in front of goal, as two goals from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang either side of a Bukayo Saka strike made sure all three points stayed in north London.
Both sides came into the game with contrasting form as Arsenal had won three of their last five Premier League fixtures whereas Newcastle had lost three of their last five.
Straight from the off the tactics from both sides mirrored the meeting from just over a week ago, with the visitors’ deep block proving effective against Arsenal’s blunt attack.
The hosts gradually grew into the game, controlling possession and pinning Newcastle deep into their own half, while waiting patiently for an opening against an organised defence.
In the 15th minute the best chance of the half fell to the out-of-form Aubameyang, who met Saka’s drilled cross at the back post only to fire his effort off the post.
After this, chances became few and far between with the only other effort of significance coming from a lightening break which was kick-started by Thomas Partey. The Ghana international released Emile Smith Rowe over the top, with the 20-year-old cutting it back for Aubameyang – who blazed his shot over the bar from a difficult angle.
Going into half-time the scores were level at 0-0 with it all to play for in the second 45 minutes.
After the break, the dynamic of the game continued with it being attack versus defence, however in the 50th minute it turned out to be third time lucky for Aubameyang.
Partey’s return to the side looked an important one, as his chipped through ball allowed the 31-year-old to take on his marker and finish past Karl Darlow with his left foot, to put Arsenal in the driving seat.
As the game went on, the away side had to become more adventurous in the hope of getting anything out of the match, which ultimately resulted in them going two behind.
Youngster Smith Rowe turned Jamaal Lascelles inside out on the left wing, giving him the space to cut it back for Saka – and his first time finish put Arsenal out of sight.
Mikel Arteta’s decision to bring Smith Rowe into the first-team fold looks to be justified with every passing game, as his link up with fellow Hale End graduate Saka looks to be flourishing.
Towards the final 10 minutes of the match, some clever link-up between Cedric Soares and Saka meant the latter could pick out Aubameyang for his second of the match -rolling the ball into an empty net from six-yards out.
This result puts Arsenal back into the top half of the table in 10thplace prior to a run of six difficult fixtures coming up – including games against Manchester United, Wolves and Manchester City.
Meanwhile for Newcastle, the defeat extends a run of eight games without a win as they sit 15th in the table after 18 games played.
By James Humphreys
