Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle: 2 things Arteta said after his victory at Emirates
Arsenal bounced back to winning ways to record a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United on Saturday.
The Gunners had suffered an embarrassing 4-0 loss to Liverpool last weekend, but manager Mikel Arteta revived the team to return to winning ways.
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 north Londoners then missed the biggest chance of the match after 41 minutes when Bukayo Saka’s cross from the left found Emile Smith Rowe, whose header was cleared by Dubravka, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hit the post from three yards out.
The goal finally came in the 56th minute, and it was Saka who broke the deadlock to give the home side the lead.
Saka was taken off almost immediately after scoring due to a hamstring and replaced with Gabriel Martinelli.
The new entrant wasted no time to get on the scoresheet, extending Arsenal’s lead in the 66th minute.
The Gunners’ 2-0 victory on Saturday ensured Newcastle continued their winless run which has seen them remain bottom of the EPL table. Newcastle has now failed to score in seven straight games.
Here are two things Arteta said after the game.
1. Slow first half: Arteta said his team played too slow in the first half and without being a real threat.
“In the first half, we played how we wanted but without being a real threat. The first half was too slow and we did not occupy certain spaces.” Arteta told BT Sport.
2. Great goal: Arteta described Saka’s goal as a great one.
“In the second we changed a few things and started in a different way, our rhythm was much better.
“Saka’s goal was great, it’s what you need against a low block.”
“He [Saka] was uncomfortable to continue. We will have to probably scan him tomorrow and see if there’s an injury there”
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