The Gunners are back to winning ways in the Premier League as Mikel Arteta’s side produced a comfortable 2-0 victory against Newcastle United this Sunday. Arsenal was winless in their last couple of league games and this victory helps them to remain in the top half of the standings. Arsenal is currently ninth in the Premier League standings and six points behind sixth place West Ham United. Mikel Arteta will want to change that and fast.
Mohamed Elneny’s first Premier League goal alongside Pierre Emerick Aubameyang’s second-half strike was enough to earn important 3 points on the road.
Here we will be looking at the five major talking points of the game-
#1 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looked in good touch ahead of the Europa League semi-final, will he start for Mikel Arteta on Thursday?
The veteran Gunners striker scored the winner for his side against Newcastle and looked in good shape in the 76 minutes he played. The 31-year-old Gabonese striker returned to the Arsenal line up in early April. With Alexander Lacazette still not fit, Aubameyang’s performance will certainly a big boost for Arsenal who has an important Europa League fixture coming up this midweek against Villareal. Arteta was very pleased to see his senior striker’s performance.
Mikel Arteta update, “Yeah, we thought he was not going to manage it on Thursday, two days before he was struggling. He could only manage to play 10 or 15 minutes. The day after he started to feel better. It is good to see he was fine today. He scored a goal, he played well so it’s a real boost.”
#2 Gabriel Martinelli makes the most of his chance for Arsenal given by Mikel Arteta
The 19-year-old left-winger is not a regular starter in Mikel Arteta’s side but he registered his first league assist of the season after he found Aubameyang for the second goal. Martinelli had a terrific first half where he created all sorts of trouble for the opposition defence. The youngster won the Man of the Match as well.
What Mikel Arteta said after the game, “Gabi’s improving every week. He is taking his minutes in the right way. He is developing in the way we all believe he can. Today he had an assist, some good moments on the left and trying to play him as no. 9 as well.”
“Just look at how much he’s played in the last two years. And then how much he has played with me when he’s been available, and then we can discuss that. It is what happens. This debate is always happening when you do not win. If it is not him, it would be someone else. If it is not Gabi, it would be Lacazette, Willian or Pepe. It is part of it.”
#3 David Luiz faced a major hamstring blow, as confirmed by Mikel Arteta
Gunners centre-back David Luiz suffered yet another injury against Newcastle. It is a suspected hamstring injury and could force the 34 years old Brazillian not to make another appearance for the Gunners. It is a major blow as Arsenal have a huge Europa League semi-final coming up against Villareal this midweek where they are behind by 2-1.
“We do not know. He felt something in his hamstring so it is not good news. He is put such a shift to be back with the team for the last few weeks after the knee surgery, and it is really a shame.” – Mikel Arteta said.
#4 Mathew Ryan puts in a good show and can earn a permanent contract at the Emirates
The Australian goalkeeper had a good outing and earned a clean sheet for the team. Ryan made two appearances so far for the Gunners where Arsenal lost to Aston Villa and drew with Fulham. However, in this game, he looked comfortable in the air and in set-pieces. Ryan is looking for a good back up to Bernd Leno and Gunners can offer him a permanent contract.
#5 Newcastle United looking good to be safe despite defeat
The Magpies are currently 9 points clear of 18th placed Fulham with four games left to play. Steve Bruce’s side has struggled with their defence in the league despite of putting in some quality performances. It is one of the reasons why they are 17th in the standings. Looking good to keep themselves in the league next season as well, Bruce will have to strengthen the defence of his team for next season.
