It’s hard to believe that Arsenal can maintain their sublime form for the third consecutive match. The 4-1 victory over Newcastle was the fourth consecutive Premier League match in which Arsenal scored more than 3 goals. In the last 3 matches, coach Arteta’s team scored 15 goals.
“Gunners” created a one-sided match at home against Newcastle. Arsenal held the ball 55% of the time, launched 18 shots, and 8 times the ball hit the opponent’s goal. The efficiency in finishing brought Arsenal 4 goals.
Newcastle rarely had counter-attacks, the away team only had 3 shots, 2 times the ball hit the goal. Newcastle’s expected goals (xG) index is only 0.14, which shows that they are almost harmless against Raya’s goal.
Arsenal started confidently at home, the home team opened the scoring in the 18th minute, the goal was Botman’s own goal. Newcastle players broke the ball viciously in front of the goal line after the opponent’s corner kick. The teammate cleared the ball and hit Botman’s knee, making him an own goal.
6 minutes after scoring, Arsenal doubled the gap thanks to Havertz. Martinelli cleverly escaped and received a pass from his teammate. He crossed back smoothly for Havertz to score from about 6 meters away, increasing the score to 2-0.
Two goals helped Arsenal play comfortably, they took control of the match. The home team continued to apply offensive pressure, especially after the break. In the 65th minute, Saka skillfully handled the ball on the right side of the penalty area and then launched a cross-angle shot that made Karius stand and watch.
4 minutes after the third goal, Arsenal increased the score to 4-0. From Rice’s corner kick, Kiwior cut and headed the ball into the net. With four goals, Arsenal was sure of victory.
After spending almost the entire match defending, Newcastle suddenly had a good attack in the 84th minute. Burn crossed the ball from the right and Willock rushed in to head the ball past Raya’s reach, shortening the score. number down 1-4.
After round 26, Arsenal has 58 points, ranked third, 2 points behind top team Liverpool, and 1 point behind Man City.
Competition lineup (scoring)
Arsenal (4-3-3): Stripe 7; White 7, Saliba 7, Gabriel 7, Kiwior 7; Odegaard 8.5 (Smith Rowe 76), Rice 7.5, Jorginho 7; Saka 7 (Nelson 76), Havertz 7.5 (Nketiah 76), Martinelli 7 (Trossard 63, 6.5).
Newcastle (4-3-3): Karius 6; Trippier 5.5, Schar 5.5, Botman 5.5 (Lascelles 73, 6), Livramento 5.5 (Burn 73, 6); S Longstaff 6, Guimaraes 6 (Willock 73, 6.5), Miley 6; Almiron 6 (Murphy 64, 6), Isak 6 (Barnes 64, 6), Gordon 6.
