ARSENAL ON FIRE
Aubameyang nets brace as Gunners crack Newcastle
London, Jan. 19: PierreEmerick Aubameyang returned to scoring form with a double as Arsenal’s rise up the Premier League table continued with a comfortable 3-0 win over Newcastle on Monday.
The Gunners were facing an unlikely battle for survival less than a month ago, but 13 points from a possible 15 have lifted Mikel Arteta’s men into 10th and within seven points of the top four.
Despite Aubameyang doubling his tally of league goals from open play this season, it was again Arsenal’s dynamic young duo of Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka who caught the eye as the later slotted home the hosts’ second goal in between the captain’s brace.
“When we are winning they put a smile on my face,” said Arteta of Smith Rowe and Saka’s impact.
“I know what they are capable of doing. They are developing really well, that’s merit to them, to their teammates and everyone who is involved to help them develop and protect them. The performances they are putting in are extraordinary,” he added.
Newcastle do remain firmly in a relegation fight after a ninth consecutive game without a win.
Newcastle still enjoy a seven-point cushion above the relegation zone, but those behind them are in better form with still over half the season to play.
Aubameyang’s struggles in front of goal have played a major part in Arsenal’s difficult start to Arteta’s first full season in charge.
Another night to forget seemed in store for the Gabon international when he hit the post with the goal gaping after Karl Darlow had diverted Saka’s low effort into his path at the back post midway through the first-half.
But Aubameyang made no mistake with a more difficult chance early in the second-half after Newcastle were caught short from their own corner. The emergence of Smith has helped turned Arsenal’s fortunes around since Arteta began to put his faith in him. —
I know what they are capable of doing. They are developing really well, that’s merit to them, to their teammates and everyone who is involved to help them develop and protect them. The performances they are putting in are extraordinary.
— MIKEL ARTETA on Smith Rowe and
Saka’s impact