Arsenal make light work of Newcastle

Arsenal cruised past Newcastle United with another high-scoring victory at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners were the better of the two teams from the start with Jorginho pulling the strings for the home side and Newcastle standing off rather than pressing their opponents.

The opening goal came in the 18th minute, albeit with a bit of fortune. A corner from the right was met by Gabriel with Loris Karius able to make the save. However, the ball then bounced off Sven Botman as Newcastle tried to clear and over the line despite the best efforts of Karius.

It was 2-0 long after. Jorginho's ball forward was collected on the byline by Gabriel Martinelli who was able to pull it back for Kai Havertz to finish from close range.

Newcastle will have felt lucky to get into half-time only 2-0 down although it was very nearly 3-0 seconds after the restart. Bukayo Saka charged forward with the ball as Newcastle backed off, the England forward then slipped a pass through for Havertz who fluffed his lines with only the goalkeeper to beat.

Arsenal had to wait until just over an hour had passed for the third goal. This time it was Saka who weaved into the box from the right and found the corner – Mikel Arteta's team were making it look far too easy.

The fourth arrived in the 69th minute, again from a corner. This time the in-swinger was met by Jakub Kiwior whose header deflected off Lewis Miley with Karius unable to keep it out.

The visitors did eventually pull one back late on. Dan Burn went forward on the left and clipped in a cross that former Arsenal man Joe Willock was able to head in off the post.

It could have been five late in stoppage time had Burn not been on the line to stop substitute Emile Smith Rowe's effort.

A fifth goal wouldn't have flattered the hosts who were far better than a tired-looking Newcastle. Arsenal are now once again within two points of leaders Liverpool with the best goal difference in the Premier League, Eddie Howe's side meanwhile look far, far off their best.

xG: Arsenal (2.72) 4-1 (0.18) Newcastle United

 

 

 

 

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