MOHAMED ELNENY has fired in his first Premier League goal with a brilliant strike to put a much-changed Arsenal ahead at Newcastle.
And Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has marked a comeback from his malaria problems at the perfect moment to put the Gunners 2-0 up.
Meanwhile Newcastle know a victory would put them on the verge of Premier League survival.
THAT’S A WRAP
Thanks for joining us this afternoon.
For a spot of afternoon reading, don’t forget to check out our match report, courtesy of Oscar Paul.
ARTETA’S ANALYSIS
Speaking on Sky Sports, Arteta said: “This game showed our focus is still there in the Premier League.
“We believe that anything is possible if you’re picking up points and we wanted to put bad results out of the way.
“We had a great attitude, some moments of real quality and had total control from the start.
“We refreshed the team because we’ve played so many games. Thursday was very demanding but the team was really committed and focussed on this game and that’s why we won.
“We controlled the game and we accelerated it when we needed to.
“The early goal gave us confidence which we needed after the defeat on Thursday.
“We have to do as well as we can and finish as high as we can.”
“You need big performances and we had that today.”
Arteta was incredibly disappointed to see David Luiz limp off during the fixture and highlighted his concern as to how many injuries his side had suffered.
BRUCE TALKS
Speaking to BBC Sport, Steve Bruce said: “We’re disappointed because we haven’t got near the performances of late.
“Arsenal played well. It’s a poor goal after four minutes.
“When you’re chasing against these lads it’s always going to be difficult.
“Arsenal were the better side today it was as simple as that.
” Allan Saint-Maximin in the last few weeks has produced all sorts of magic but it wasn’t quite there today.
“We’ve never thought we’re safe. We have four games left and we still have a lot to play for.
“We didn’t play well enough today against a decent Arsenal team.
“We have to regroup, go again and get ready for next week.”
FOOTBALL FRENZY
We’ll bring you the reaction of managers and players shortly.
Just a reminder that the next fixture this afternoon between Manchester Untied and Liverpool has been delayed due to a fan protest at Old Trafford.
RED MIST
Schar saw red with just minutes to go with this tackle on Martinelli.
VAR confirmed it was not clear and obvious, so wouldn’t overturn it.
CHANGE OF TOON
It’s all over at St James’ Park as Newcastle suffer their first loss in five games.
They looked a shadow of themselves this afternoon and their recent good form was nowhere to be seen.
Newcastle have now lost 16 of their last 17 matches against Arsenal.
FT: NEWCASTLE 0-2 ARSENAL
NEWCASTLE 0-2 ARSENAL
94. It’s been a comfortable three points for Arsenal this afternoon.
Newcastle will be willing Dean to blow the whistle.
NEWCASTLE 0-2 ARSENAL
93. Martinelli is hobbling after that tackle.
But the game is well and truly done.
Newcastle have a nine-point cushion from the drop zone but would have liked to have picked up some much-needed points this afternoon, especially after their recent improvement in form.
NEWCASTLE 0-2 ARSENAL
90. Four additional minutes at St James’ Park.
VAR check complete, red stands!
NEWCASTLE 0-2 ARSENAL
89. Newcastle’s day goes from bad to worse as Schar sees red!
He lunges in to try and pinch the ball off Martinelli.
VAR is reviewing.
NEWCASTLE 0-2 ARSENAL
87. Ritchie sends another lovely cross into the box, but Ryan is once again up in the air to collect.
Wilson has been blocked out by him all afternoon.
NEWCASTLE 0-2 ARSENAL
86. Should Arsenal not concede a goal, they’ll have their third clean sheet against Newcastle this season, across all competitions.
They won the precious two meetings 2-0 and 3-0.
NEWCASTLE 0-2 ARSENAL
85. Arsenal make their own substitution.
Odegaard is replaced by Partey.
NEWCASTLE 0-2 ARSENAL
83. Arsenal’s defence are standing firm, as they look to hold onto this clean sheet.
Substitution for Newcastle as Clark is off for Gayle, bringing on attacking reinforcements.
NEWCASTLE 0-2 ARSENAL
80. Chance for Newcastle, as Longstaff takes a freekick quickly to set Newcastle on their way.
Murphy picks out Joelinton who slips the ball to Selvey at the top of the box, he attempts to fire the ball at goal with a low, hard shot, but it takes a deflection.
Wilson chases the loose ball, but the flag is up.
NEWCASTLE 0-2 ARSENAL
79. Here’s Auba’s karate-kick style shot.
In his first start since contracting malaria, the Arsenal skipper put the game to bed.
NEWCASTLE 0-2 ARSENAL
75. Substitution for Arsenal.
Pepe is called on, as Aubameyang’s afternoon is over.
NEWCASTLE 0-2 ARSENAL
Bruce looks frustrated with his side’s lack of chances.
Arsenal are firmly in control and looking for a third.
NEWCASTLE 0-2 ARSENAL
73. Bruce makes his second change.
Linton is on for Almiron.
NEWCASTLE 0-2 ARSENAL
71. Arsenal feed several balls back into the box, but Newcastle’s defence stand firm.
Bruce makes his first change as Fernandez is replaced by Schar.
He’s missed ten games with injury, can he help Newcastle get back in the game?
NEWCASTLE 0-2 ARSENAL
70. Newcastle now look exposed to Arsenal’s quick counter attack.
Odegaard picks out Bellerin on the right, but his ball into the box takes a deflection.
Corner to Arsenal.
NEWCASTLE 0-2 ARSENAL
66. Aubameyang bags his 10th goal of the season and does it in style.
Martinelli is found in plenty of space on the left and whips a delicious ball across the goal mouth bypassing both Newcastle defenders.
Auba with a karate kick style leap hooks the ball into the back of the net at the back post.
GOOOAL
AUBAMEYANG’S ATHLETICISM SEALS THE DEAL
NEWCASTLE 0-1 ARSENAL
64. Saint-Maximan side-steps several Arsenal defenders at the top of the box.
He picks out Ritchie on the overlap who sends a cross-come-shot towards goal from the left.
Ryan, at full stretch, manages to collect.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
