Making what was a real Premier League title statement on Saturday night, Arsenal put in a rampant performance at the Emirates as they stormed their way to a 4-1 romp against Newcastle.
While Mikel Arteta’s squad might have suffered Champions League frustration earlier in the week as they suffered a 1-0 loss away at Porto, the Gunners came roaring back here and certainly came flying out of the traps.
With Sven Botman unfortunately turning into his own net midway through the first-half, Arsenal quickly doubled their advantage as Kai Havertz tapped home from close range and notched a sixth Premier League strike of the season.
Creating a string of chances here and backed by a vocal home support in north London, Arteta’s side breezed their way to a deserved 4-0 lead as Bukayo Saka and Jakub Kiwior notched a second-half brace in the space of just four minutes.
While ex-Arsenal star Joe Willock might have bagged a minor consolation strike for Newcastle, the Magpies were hugely outplayed in the capital and Saturday’s guests have continued to receive a reputation for their glaring defensive issues.
On a night when Arsenal moved within a pair of points of leaders Liverpool, we have taken a look at the main talking points from the Emirates.
Arsenal’s remarkable free-scoring run
Opening their Champions League knockout stage adventure with a last-gasp 1-0 defeat away at Portuguese heavyweights Porto in midweek, Arteta had made it clear that he was calling on an immediate response here.
While Arsenal might have eventually fallen short in their bid to claim a first Premier League crown since 2004 last season, the Gunners are enjoying another domestic romp this time around.
Making another top-flight statement here and moving within just two points of top spot, Arteta’s young squad have certainly gained a fearsome reputation for their dominant performances in the final third.
Causing Newcastle’s leaky defence a string of issues on either side of the half-time break on Saturday night, the ex-Manchester City coach has seen his side win all of their previous six Premier League appearances by an aggregate score of 25-3.
With their stunning domestic purple patch underlined by a 6-0 victory away at London rivals West Ham on February 11th, the Gunners have also registered 12 goals on just their last three top-flight showdowns at the Emirates.
Saka extends on his Premier League romp
Notching 25 strikes in their previous six Premier League appearances, a huge part of Arsenal’s success over the past month has been thanks to their homegrown attacking icon.
While Saka might have failed to find much fluidity while on Champions League duties in midweek, the England international is certainly spearheading Arteta’s charge for the history books.
Producing a slick second-half finish here and tipped to play a leading role in England’s EURO 24 campaign this summer, Saka has registered seven goals in his last five Premier League outings.
Quickly becoming the poster boy of Arsenal’s title charge and continuing to receive a string of public praise, the Gunners’ homegrown talisman is now regarded as one of Europe’s hottest attacking stars.
Enjoying his most clinical spell of the season and hitting top gear at a crucial time, fans around north London know that Saka arguably has Arsenal’s title hopes in his young hands.
Newcastle are dealing with a host of defensive issues
While Newcastle might have made real history last season as they secured a famous Champions League return, it has been suggested that Eddie Howe has found some increasing pressure on his shoulders at St. James’ Park.
Although the Magpies might have travelled to north London on Saturday night in the midst of a five-match unbeaten run, they face a real battle in their bid to punch another European finish in 2024.
Blown away in north London here, there is no doubt that Howe will have a mounting headache over his side’s rather glaring defensive issues on either side of opening the New Year.
Eventually forced to settle for a stunning 4-4 stalemate at home against relegation scrappers Luton earlier in the month, Newcastle have now shipped 13 goals in their previous four Premier League appearances.
Likewise, the former Bournemouth has seen his inconsistent squad fail to muster a single clean sheet from any of their last nine straight top-flight showdowns – a run that stems all the way back to December 16th.
Match Report
Arsenal: Raya, White, Saliva, Gabriel, Kiwior, Odegaard, Jorginho, Rice, Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
Subs: Elneny, Nelson, Nketiah, Smith Rowe, Trossard
Newcastle: Karius, Trippier, Schar, Botman, Livramento, Miley, Guimaraes, Longstaff, Almiron, Isak, Gordon
Subs: Barnes, Burn, Lascelles, Murphy, Willock
Goals: Arsenal: Botman OG (18′), Havertz (24′), Saka (65′), Kiwior (69′) – Newcastle: Willock (84′)
Yellow Cards: Odegaard
Red Cards: N/A
Referee: Paul Tierney
