Young Guns impress and 5 things we learned as Arsenal record comfortable Newcastle win
Young Guns impress and 5 things we learned as Arsenal record comfortable Newcastle win
Arsenal record comfortable win over Magpies
After a drab first half, in which Arsenal generally had the better of it but failed to create much, it was Bukayo Saka who finally provided the opening goal.
After a deft touch from Nuno Tavares, who was heavily involved in much of what Arsenal did, Saka fired past Dubravka, who had previously made a pair of very good stops.
The Star-Boy strikes again 🤩
Wonderful, quick passing move from Arsenal, lead by Saka and finished by Saka 👏
Lovely goal 🌶️🔥 pic.twitter.com/sn35n6T16v
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) November 27, 2021
The lead was doubled just after the hour when Gabriel Martinelli, on as a substitute for the injured Saka, netted with almost his first touch of the game.
MARTINELLI THAT’S FANTASTIC! 🤯
Incredible volleyed finish over Dubravka 🥵
Impact sub! 👊💥 pic.twitter.com/tuxkgGDXh4
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) November 27, 2021
In the wake of the victory, that ensures Arsenal will finish the weekend in 5th, here are five things that 101 picked out from the game.
1. Ramsdale continues to prove his worth
While Arsenal were perhaps unlucky to be heading into half-time level, Aaron Ramsdale continues to prove his worth to the club.
Eyebrows were certainly raised when Mikel Arteta and co. shelled out 24 million pounds for the goalkeeper, then at Sheffield United, in the summer, but they have been justified in their decision.
The England man made another top stop from a long-range effort, this time from Jonjo Shelvey, to prevent the Gunners from falling behind in the first half, which can be seen below.
Another week, another top class Aaron Ramsdale save! 🧤🔥 pic.twitter.com/JNc1udet4q
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) November 27, 2021
In today’s market, 24 million for a 23-year-old English goalkeeper could well prove a steal, if he can continue the rich vein of form he has found himself in this season. It may well be an inspired purchase.
2. Odegaard has mixed return to the side
Mikel Arteta has few choices to make when it comes to selection these days, blessed with a fit squad and only playing once per week.
One of the few, however, is whether to start with Alexandre Lacazette or Martin Odegaard behind captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
🇬🇭 Partey in midfield
🇳🇴 Odegaard comes in
🏴 ESR startsLet’s go, Gooners! 💪#ARSNEW pic.twitter.com/4Hsh8KOaqY
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 27, 2021
It was a poor start to the game for Odegaard, who hadn’t started a game in a month. The Norwegian was guilty of constantly slowing down Arsenal attacks, as well as losing the ball on several occasions.
The second half, however, proved much better, with the 23 year old’s pressing infectious and finding himself moving the ball much more quickly, allowing Arsenal to play their way through the nine men between him and the Newcastle goal much more effectively.
While he didn’t directly have a hand in either goal, he was a big part of their cohesive attacking in the second half, and has certainly given Mikel Arteta a choice to make for the trip to Old Trafford.
3. Aubameyang provides miss of the season contender
Fortunately for the Arsenal skipper, it did not come to matter, but he will not be wanting to watch back his highlights of this contest any time soon.
The Gabon striker was far from his effective best, and saw an effort from roughly 3 yards out bounce back off the outside of the post and away. In truth, it looked easier to score than miss, and it is certainly one that will be placed on bloopers reels for the season.
How did he not score there!? 🤯
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang misses an absolute sitter for Arsenal… pic.twitter.com/hf2O1ApmgB
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) November 27, 2021
However, the young Gunners were there to bail out their skipper, and will surely expect him to return the favour later in the season.
4. Arsenal continue good record after taking the lead
In winning comfortably (in the end) at The Emirates, Arsenal extended their impressive record this season. Suffering a 4-0 defeat to Liverpool last weekend, they needed to return with a performance, and for the most part, they did so.
It also extends the Gunners great record when taking the lead first this season, with Arteta’s side having done so seven times this season.
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 06: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal reacts during the UEFA Europa League Semi-final Second Leg match between Arsenal and Villareal CF at Emirates Stadium on May 06, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Of those, the Gunners have won six, and drawn one, suggesting that they are usually good value for their lead, as they were today. With away trips to Manchester United, Everton and Leeds in the next fortnight, Arsenal will be hoping to extend it yet further.
5. Martinelli hands Arteta a timely reminder
It was perhaps an odd decision for Mikel Arteta to turn to Gabriel Martinelli instead of Nicolas Pepe from the bench when Saka went down injured. Perhaps it says as much about his distrust in the Ivorian as it does his trust in Martinelli, but the effect was immediate.
ST ALBANS, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 28: Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes of Arsenal during the Arsenal training session ahead of the UEFA Europa League Group B stage match between Arsenal FC and Dundalk FC at London Colney on October 28, 2020 in St Albans, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Martinelli offered an outlet on the wing as well as an option for a direct runner, and found the net with a beautiful finish with just his second touch of the game. There are those that will question why Martinelli has not been utilised more often by Arteta, and even rumours of a potential loan move, but Saka’s injury severity may have an effect on that.
Like Odegaard, however, Martinelli has worked his way into Arteta’s thoughts ahead of the Manchester United clash.
What did you make of the performance?
