Premier League: Arsenal vs Newcastle Match Review

Shortly after their FA Cup tie, Arsenal again hosted Newcastle at the Emirates. The Gunners looking to pick up a win after a goalless draw to Palace, as Newcastle looked for their first win in 9 games (all competitions). Arsenal’s line up featured the return of deadline day signing Thomas Partey, as well as key player Kieran Tierney.

In what seemed to be a very bland half, the only real chance falling to Aubameyang just before a quarter of an hour. Saka’s shot from a tight angle was saved by the outstretched foot of Karl Darlow. Aubameyang found himself open with an empty net, however, the deflection was enough to throw the attackers balance off, resulting in only hitting the post.

The only other moment that looked like it might present a goal was a deflected cross from Aubameyang. From the side of the box the ball took a bad deflection off defender Emile Krafth and looked to curl into the top corner. Although Darlow looked to have it covered, the cross was denied by the woodwork.

HALF TIME: Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle

Arsenal automatically looked deadly after the restart. A shot from Lacazette in the box was saved well, considering Darlow only caught sight of the ball late. Only a matter of minutes later, Arsenal found the back of the net. The returning Partey played a long ball down the left to an oncoming Aubameyang. The Gabonian managed to fend off the defender by turning to his left foot. Darlow, predicting a far post shot, dove early, allowing Aubameyang to thump it home, breaking the deadlock.

50th minute: Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle

The Gunners looked to grab a second within 10 minutes of their first after a quick 1-2 in the box between Lacazette and Saka. Saka, with a seemingly open shot, was denied by an outstretched Emile Kraft – a terrific block.

On the hour mark, an askew cross from Newcastle was caught by Leno on the goal line. The ball was rolled to Partey, who played Aubameyang on the left. Aubameyang then played it forward to a nearby Smith-Rowe on the sideline. The youngster dribbles at the defence, going from his left, to his right, then back to his left. The ball was then cutback to Bukayo Saka who tucked it into the open net. Another goal assisted and scored by the Hale End graduates.

60th minute: Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle

No more than 5 minutes later, Lacazette looked to finally get onto the score sheet. A square ball drilled across the 6-yard box was one that he just couldn’t reach to turn it in. Immediately following this was a back post header, which was denied by Darlow.

With 15 minutes left to play, a deflated Newcastle gave away the ball cheaply in the corner of the pitch. The botched clearance was intercepted by Cedric, who played a 1-2 with Saka and was in behind. Keeping the ball in play by less than a millimetre, managed to cut it back to provide Aubameyang’s second of the night.

76th minute: Arsenal 3-0 Newcastle

A dominant second half from the Gunners, featuring their 5th straight clean sheet in all competitions.

The Gunners produced 20 shots, accompanying their 67% possession.

Can the Gunners trump Southampton and take momentum into their clash with Manchester United in 2 weeks time?

FULL TIME: Arsenal 3-0 Newcastle

MATCH AWARDS:

Goals:

- Pierre-Emrick Aubameyang x 2

- Bukayo Saka x 1

Assists:

- Thomas Partey x 1

- Emile Smith-Rowe x 1

- Cedric Soares x 1

Clean Sheet:

- Bernd Leno

Man of the Match:

- Pierre-Emrick Aubameyang