Arsenal 2 - 0 Newcastle United - Match Report

2 - 0

WHAT HAPPENED

We’re up to third place in the table - above Tottenham and Manchester United - after racking up a 10th straight Premier League home win.

This victory came courtesy of goals from Aaron Ramsey and Alex Lacazette, who alongside Mesut Ozil were our most influential performers on the night.

Ramsey’s first-half strike was a caressed finish that rolled in off the post after the ball ran away from Lacazette inside the box. It was Ramsey’s clever flick that started the move.

An earlier ‘goal’ from the Welshman was ruled out for a debatable foul from Sokratis, while Lacazette was denied on the stroke of half-time when Matt Ritchie spectacularly headed his goalbound effort off the line.

But Lacazette did find the net late in the second half with a deft lob after substitute Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang set him up with a header that bounced beyond the Newcastle back line.

There could have been more goals. Ozil - regularly a star performer against Newcastle - sold one outrageous dummy to set up a half-chance, and then played in Aubameyang with a sumptuous pass.

Neither opportunity was taken, but Newcastle offered little in response. For Unai Emery’s in-form team, this was a very comfortable win.

Five THINGS WE NOTICED

Ozil, Ramsey and Lacazette on fire, a controversial decision and an Emirates landmark

HOW IT HAPPENED

See how our Monday night game unfolded with our play-by-play commentary

WHAT IT MEANS

TEAM NEWS

Unai Emery had to do without Laurent Koscielny (foot) and Granit Xhaka (groin) for this game.

On a brighter note our head coach had Aaron Ramsey and Nacho Monreal back in contention after minor knocks, and both started.

There were four changes from our last game against Rennes, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang dropping to the bench and Sokratis returning after suspension.