Auba at the double as Arsenal down Newcastle

Second-half goals from Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang and Bukayo Saka saw Arsenal cruise to a 3-0 win over a disappointing Newcastle side at the Emirates.

Thomas Partey and Kieran Tierney both returned to the starting side while Cedric replaced Hector Bellerin and Alexandre Lacazette leading the line.

It was an even first 10 minutes with both sides having possession without creating many chances. The first real chance came with 15 minutes gone. After good work from Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, the ball found its way to Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang at the back post and the Gabonese striker tried with his left foot to sneak the ball in at the far post however his shot went just wide.

The Gunners started to dominate proceedings as they controlled possession and forced Newcastle to defend in numbers. The Magpies looked a threat on the counter with Miguel Almiron looking lively for the visitors.

Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang had another chance to open the scoring. After Emile Smith Rowe was released by a great ball from Partey, the youngster drove in the Newcastle penalty box before cutting the ball back for Aubameyang who fired his shot over the goal.

There was not much goalmouth action in the match with Arsenal dominating the game, however, Newcastle was relatively untroubled for much of the half as they were well organized defensively.

David Luiz had the last chance of the half from a corner. Saka whipped in his cross which found Luiz unmarked however the Brazilian’s header went wide. Both sides had room for improvement heading into the second half.

Arsenal came out in the second half a completely different side and took it straight to Newcastle. Just minutes in, Alex Lacazette forced a superb save from Darlow in the Newcastle goal to keep his side level, however, just minutes later Arsenal had their lead.

From a Newcastle corner, Arsenal won the ball from a sloppy turnover and Thomas Partey released Aubameyang down the left-hand side and the Gunners skipper drove at the Newcastle box, shifted the ball onto his left foot, and rifled his shot past Darlow’s near post to give Arsenal the lead.

Arsenal grew in confidence and was almost in again. After great build-up play from Lacazette and Saka, the young winger had the goal at his mercy however a great block from Emil Krafth kept his side in the game.

Just minutes later Arsenal doubled their lead. Aubameyang released Smith Rowe down the left side and he found Saka with a neat pass and Arsenal’s No.7 hit his shot first time into the net as Arsenal were now cruising.

With the game in Arsenal’s control, chances were coming at will. Kieran Tierney was again bombing forward and whipped in a vicious ball across goal, just out of the outstretched reach of Lacazette as the Gunners looked to at a third.

With 15 minutes to go, Arsenal had their third goal. After great play between Saka and Cedric on the right-hand side, the Portuguese drove into the Newcastle box and smashed his cross which found Aubameyang unmarked and the Gunners skipper side-footed his shot home for his second of the game.

With the game now in hand, Mikel Arteta made a couple of changes with Willian coming on for Aubameyang, and then minutes later Gabriel Martinelli came on for Emile Smith Rowe.

Arsenal cruised in the last ten minutes as they secured another three points and their fifth consecutive clean sheet in all competitions.

With the win, Arsenal moves up to tenth in the league, just six points behind Spurs in fifth while Newcastle make it nine games without a win and are seven points above the relegation zone.

Overall it was a good night for Arsenal, Thomas Partey made his return, Aubameyang was amongst the goals and another clean sheet.

It is clear now that Arsenal is on the move under Mikel Arteta.