By David Awopetu
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored a welcome double as Arsenal moved 10th in the Premier League with a 3-0 win over an impotent Newcastle side.
Under increasing pressure after their limp defeat at Bramall Lane last week, Steve Bruce’s side held firm until half-time at the Emirates, but were thankful to see Aubameyang turn a rebound against the post from a tight angle before the break.
The Gabon striker, with only one goal in his last nine league games, finally showed a glimpse of his scoring touch five minutes into the second period when beating Emil Krafth and firing past Karl Darlow at his near post for the opener.
Ten minutes later, Bukayo Saka made it 2-0 with a confident slot home after good work down the left flank from impressive youngster Emile Smith Rowe, who jinked his way around the back of the Newcastle defence before delivering a pinpoint pass.
Aubameyang completed the comfortable victory after Cedric Soares got to the byline and pulled the ball back into his path.
VAR examined whether the ball had crossed the line before Cedric’s pass but allowed the goal to stand. Arsenal have now kept a clean sheet in five straight games in all competitions as the victory takes them above Aston Villa into 10th, with the Gunners seven points adrift of fourth-placed Liverpool in the last Champions League qualifying spot.
Newcastle are 15th, seven points clear of 18th-placed Fulham, although the London side have a game in hand.
