Second-half goals from Granit Xhaka and Mesut Ozil guided Arsenal to a 2-1 win over Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon.
After a difficult start to the season, Unai Emery’s men were looking for their third win on the trot, while Newcastle were looking for their first win of the season after only picking up one draw in their opening four fixtures.
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Last season, Arsenal beat the Magpies 1-0 in the first encounter at the Emirates, while the Geordies won the second one 2-1 at St James’ Park. Newcastle were desperate to repeat their home performance of the last campaign as they looked to steer clear of the bottom of the league. Arsenal, on the other hand, needed three points to stay within touching distance of the top four.
Rafael Benitez’s men started the game with greater attacking intent and had the first chance when Jamaal Lascelles rose highest at a corner. His header was, however, blocked on the line by Shkodran Mustafi.
It took Arsenal roughly 25 minutes to start influencing the match going forward. When they did create their first chance, Aaron Ramsey skewed his cross horribly wide with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang waiting unmarked in the six-yard box for a tap-in.
Both sides created half chances in the remainder of the opening stanza, but neither could find a way past the respective goalkeepers.
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Arsenal got the second half off to the perfect start as they opened the scoring in the 49th minute. The Gunners were awarded a free kick on the edge of the Newcastle box. Xhaka stepped up and sent his shot flying into the top corner to give his side the lead.
Not long after and the Gunners doubled their lead. Alexandre Lacazette was picked out in the box, his shot was blocked, but the rebound fell straight to Ozil who made no mistake in stroking the ball into the back of the net.
Newcastle couldn’t really find a way back into the game from then as Arsenal looked to dominate the ball while still looking more likely to add to the scoreline.
The Magpies were then handed late hope when Kieran Clark pulled a goal back as the game ticked into added time.
It, however, was not enough to spark a comeback as the Gunners held on for the three points and continue to climb the table after three victories in a row.
