Arsenal produced a strong second-half performance to defeat Newcastle United 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium in their Premier League clash.
Bukayo Saka put the Gunners ahead with a fine finish, before Gabriel Martinelli scored his first home Premier League goal in 22 months to secure the three points.
The Gunners had two massive opportunities to open the scoring in the first half, first with Martin Odegaard on 20 minutes when his free-kick forced an acrobatic save out of Martin Dubravka.
The Magpies did feel aggrieved as referee Stuart Atwell did not award a penalty, after Callum Wilson went down in the box amid pressure from Nuno Tavares with the score at 1-0, while seconds later, Martinelli added the decisive second for the hosts.
Mikel Arteta’s men didn’t get their goal in the first half but made quick work out of the toon in the second.
Arsenal have enjoyed consistent success against Newcastle in recent seasons, and Saturday’s victory saw Arteta’s men maintained a hundred percent record in their last 10 games.
Arsenal will face Manchester United in their next Premier League outing at Old Trafford on Thursday. Newcastle will have a massive game at the bottom of the table against Norwich City at home on Tuesday.
In the other fixture, Liverpool thrashed Southampton 4-0 to move up to second in the Premier League, one point behind leaders Chelsea.
A brace from Diogo Jota and a goal each from Thiago Alcantara and Virgil van Dijk, secured a comfortable win for Liverpool.
The Reds are now on 28 points, while Chelsea are on 29 points and will hope to extend their lead with a win against Manchester United on Sunday.
