Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice as Arsenal beat Newcastle to move into the top 10 of the Premier League and increase the pressure on Magpies boss Steve Bruce.
Match Reports
Aubameyang, who had earlier hit the post from a tight angle in the first half, opened the scoring in the 50th minute when he fired past Newcastle goalkeeper Karl Darlow.
Arsenal doubled their lead as Emile Smith Rowe's pullback found Bukayo Saka and the England international side-footed the ball into the net.
Aubameyang, 31, got his second and the Gunners' third after Cedric Soares, in his first league start of the season, got to the byline and set up the striker.
The Gabon international scored 29 goals in all competitions last season, including 22 in the Premier League, but he had previously struggled for goals in 2020-21.
This double took his league total to five for the campaign and boss Mikel Arteta was pleased to see Aubameyang return to form.
"He needed that for his confidence and the team needs that to be successful," said the Gunners manager.
"We were missing his goals, we all know that, so to have them back is great for the team."
Miguel Almiron had Newcastle's best chance but shot over from the edge of the penalty area when it was goalless.
The victory takes Arsenal above Aston Villa into 10th, with the Gunners seven points adrift of fourth-placed Liverpool in the last Champions League qualifying spot.
Line-ups
Arsenal XI: Luiz, Aubameyang, Lacazette, Leno, Xhaka, Cedric, Partey, Tierney, Holding, Smith Rowe, Saka
Subs: Willian, M.Elneny, Runarsson, Bellerin, Pepe, Gabriel, Willock, Nketiah, Martinelli
Newcastle XI: Carroll, Shelvey, Callum Wilson, Clark, Darlow, Krafth, Lascelles, Almiron, Joelinton, Lewis, M. Longstaff
Subs: Dubravka, Ritchie, Hendrick, Hayden, Manquillo, Yedlin, J.Murphy, E. Anderson, S. Longstaff
Aswattham
616
Aubameyang celebration for Kroos😅😅
SawHotz
508
First half disasterclass. Second half masterclass. Our defence bossed it up, soaking up the likes of Carroll and Wilson. And our attack in the last 45 was a joy to watch. Leno could literally take a chair and watch the entire game in goal. Cedric competing for his place at right-back. Holding proving his critics wrong since signing the contract. Luiz and his forward passes were pinpoint. Tierney showing that he is irreplaceable at left-back. Partey bossing the midfield. Xhaka showing dem haters the best way to comeback after a suspension. Hale end boys running the show once again for us, particularly ESR's workrate. And Saka once again schooling Willian and Pepe. Laca doing the underrated linkup plays. Auba's back and firing and once again amongst the scoring charts. Arteta getting the team back on track. We move. COYG!
JamesWalker
470
When you need three point badly, mistake is not allowed😂😏
Ahokson
384
the only Arsenal consistent player who can deliver when Arsenal are down
StewartNyabadza
227
I'm the man of my word
Kingziz
194
Arsenal for life, Gunners till I die ❤️❤️❤️
Tetbdeklot
20
let's do trade by barter arsenal should take CEBALLOS and give us SMOOTH ROLL