Arsenal needed two second-half goals from Saka and Martinelli, to beat Newcastle 2-0 in the early kick-off at Emirate to stay 5th
By Kehinde Okeowo
Newcastle Uniteds’ new coach, Eddie Howe, took The Maggies to Emirate Stadium on Saturday afternoon after he was sidelined by Covid-19 in their 1-1 draw against Brighton last week.
The visitors sat deep throughout the first half and nullified Arsenal’s attack. Although the home side were guilty of poor marksmanship on a few occasions.
Arsenal began the second half with more vigor, passing the ball more quickly and their dominance paid off in the 56th minute when Buskayo Saka finished off an assist from Nuno Tavares.
It got better for the Gunners when substitute, Gabriel Martinelli, lashed onto a pass from Takahiro Tamiyasu to beat on rushing Newcastle keeper, Martin Dubravka, to make it 2-0 to Arsenal.
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The visitors made few spirited efforts to reduce the deficit but Arsenal were resolute at the back, with their keeper, Aaron Ramsdale having another great game.
Arsenal held on to stay 5th in the league, but Saka’s injury will be a source of worry. They play Manchester United in their next game at Old Trafford.
Newcastle, who were 20th on the EPL table, will want to take advantage of their next two games against Norwich and Burnley, with whom they share the relegation zone.
