NOT GUNNER HUG YOU!
AUBA KEEPS DISTANCE AFTER SINKING TOON
ARSENAL swaggered around the Emirates like a team who have had a substantial weight lifted from their shoulders — around £350,000-a-week’s worth.
Of course, Mesut Ozil wouldn’t have featured in this win over Newcastle — his time as an Arsenal player ended way before the deal to terminate his contract was struck last week, allowing him to sign for Fenerbahce.
But for the avoidance of any doubt, Arsenal proved emphatically here that there will be life without Ozil.
Newcastle were so vastly inferior that the Gunners didn’t need to shift out of second gear as they extended their unbeaten run to five games.
Whether that’s more indicative of how far the Magpies have fallen under Steve Bruce or if Arsenal can mount a serious challenge for European football, when weeks ago they were being touted as relegation candidates, will become clearer in the weeks ahead. Arsenal were slick, bursting with intent and positivity — a far cry from their performance in the goalless draw here against Crystal Palace last Thursday.
Mikel Arteta blamed fatigue for that display, but there were no signs of tiredness from his team last night. Perhaps it was the three changes, most notably Thomas Partey starting for the first time in six weeks after recovering from injury, that provided the Gunners with fresh impetus. ‘We always say the best thing for the confidence of any team is to win games,’ said Arteta. ‘We have momentum but we have to maintain this run and keep going.’
Quite how Pierre- Emerick Aubameyang managed to hit a post, albeit from a tight angle, when the goal was gaping after Bukayo Saka had seen his effort saved by Karl Darlow, appeared to be beyond his manager in the 15th minute.
Had Arsenal taken an early lead, it would not have been harsh on Newcastle. Bruce is becoming a target for disgruntled natives and there was little attacking intent from his side.
One goal in seven games tells a sorry story. No wins in nine tells another.
Asked if he still believed he was the man to turn it around, Bruce insisted: ‘I’m never going to shy away from it — so yes, 100 per cent. I’ve been here a long time and I’ve managed to do it before.
‘There’s no denying confidence is low and the only way through is to stick with it. Half the league is in a relegation battle and we have to keep plugging away.’ The fact Bruce made eight changes to the side that lost 1-0 to Sheffield United — including a start for Andy Carroll — smacked of desperation.
Aubameyang missed another glorious opportunity in the 25th minute, firing wildly over the bar following excellent work from the improving Emile Smith Rowe.
In the build-up to this clash, Arteta had backed Aubameyang — who had scored just three Premier League goals this season — to regain his best form sooner rather than later.
There appeared little evidence of that happening during the first half. Aubameyang missed another chance in the 41st minute, firing wide when he should have made Darlow work, though the keeper had to be on his toes to deny his intended cross from creeping inside his near post on the stroke of half-time.
The chances kept coming, an unmarked David Luiz heading Saka’s corner wide with virtually the final touch of the half.
Just 10 minutes after the restart, Arsenal finally went ahead. Summer signing Partey, excellent on his return to the starting line-up, was at the centre of the opener, the Ghanaian’s searching pass out to Aubameyang setting the striker away.
Emil Krafth looked petrified as Aubameyang had him isolated — and this time the Gunners star was ruthless, firing a fierce effort past Darlow in the 50th minute.
Perhaps Arteta’s prediction of an Aubameyang goal glut had been right after all.
Another 10 minutes later as Arsenal doubled their lead. Saka took the accolades, firing past Darlow from eight yards — but Smith Rowe deserved a share of the plaudits. The 20-year- old midfielder terrorised Krafth, who was having an evening to forget, before putting the ball on a plate for his team-mate.
Aubameyang added a third 13 minutes from time to put a fairer complexion on the scoreline. Arsenal, excellent. The less said about Newcastle the better. ARSENAL (4-2-3-1): Leno 6; Soares 7, Holding 7, Luiz 7, Tierney 7; Xhaka 7, PARTEY 8.5 (Elneny 67min, 6); Saka 7.5, Smith Rowe 7.5 (Martinelli 81), Aubameyang 8.5 (Willian 79); Lacazette 7. Subs not used: Runarsson, Bellerin, Gabriel, Pepe, Willock, Nketiah. Scorers: Aubameyang 50, 77, Saka 60. Booked: None. Manager: Mikel Arteta 7. NEWCASTLE UNITED (4-4-2): Darlow 7.5; Krafth 4, Lascelles 5.5, Clark 5.5, Lewis 5.5; Almiron 5.5 (Anderson 88), Shelvey 6, M Longstaff 6 (Hendrick 79), Joelinton 5; Wilson 5, Carroll 5 (Murphy 69, 5). Subs not used: Dubravka, Ritchie, Hayden, Manquillo, Yedlin, S Longstaff. Booked: None. Manager: Steve Bruce 5. Referee: David Coote 6.5.